Guillain-Barre syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome triggers

GBS can be triggered by infections or events. Research shows that the following things may happen in the weeks before you get GBS:

• Diarrhea or a respiratory infection: About two thirds of people who have GBS have had diarrhea or a respiratory infection before getting GBS. One of the most common causes of diarrhea that is linked to GBS is the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni.
• Viral infections: You may get GBS after you’ve had influenza (flu), cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, Zika virus or other viruses.
• Vaccinations: GBS may rarely happen after receiving some vaccines. However, the risks from not receiving those vaccines are much higher than the risks of getting GBS after getting a vaccine.

Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome develop rapidly – within hours or days. Along with muscle weakness, early Guillain-Barre symptoms may include tingling in both legs. The tingling may spread to your arms and upper body. Other symptoms may include:

• Abnormal pulse rate
• Coordination and balance problems
• Difficulty with swallowing, speaking or chewing
• Digestive or bladder control issues
• High or low blood pressure
• Issues with eye muscles and vision
• “Pins and needles” feeling in hands and feet
• Severe pain, especially at night

Some people have paresthesia, which means they have odd sensations like the feeling of insects crawling under their skin. Symptoms vary in type and intensity, with each person experiencing a unique set. A hallmark of Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms is that they affect both sides of your body equally.

Complications of Guillain-Barre syndrome

While severe cases of GBS are rare, complications can be life-threatening, including:

• Blood clots in the lungs
• Blood infection
• Cardiac arrest
• Paralysis of breathing muscles

Because of the possibility of the sudden onset of these complications, people who are diagnosed with GBS are hospitalized so they can be carefully monitored.

Guillain-Barre syndrome diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms, their speed of occurrence and whether they affect both sides of your body. Your healthcare provider evaluates your symptoms and conducts a neurological exam.

After treatment initiation, additional tests to help guide treatment and confirm the diagnosis may include:

• Lumbar puncture to gather cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for evaluation
• Electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle and nerve health
• Blood tests to identify underlying infections
• MRI scans of spinal cord and brain to rule out other potential causes

Guillain-Barre syndrome treatment options

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, shorten illness duration and monitor for serious complications. You may receive medications for pain relief and blood clot prevention.

While you’re in the hospital, medical devices will continuously monitor functions like breathing, heart rate and blood pressure so your Advocate health care team can swiftly provide additional care if needed. Ventilator support for breathing may be necessary.

Guillain-Barre syndrome treatments with blood products

Treatment with blood products is sometimes recommended for relief of Guillain-Barre symptoms. Blood products provide healthy antibodies that won’t attack your nerves.

• Blood plasma exchange: This involves the use of an apheresis machine to filter the plasma from your blood. The removed plasma is replaced with donated plasma that contains healthy antibodies.
• Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) infusion: In this approach, immunoglobulins (antibodies) are extracted from the donated plasma of many individuals and then injected into your bloodstream. This acts to dilute the antibodies that are attacking your nerves with healthy antibodies.

Each of these GBS syndrome treatments may require several hours to complete. They’re typically administered as outpatient procedures.

GBS recovery period

Most people fully recover within a few months to a few years. Rehabilitation and physical therapy treatments are crucial for regaining strength and addressing lingering weakness and fatigue.

Although rare, some individuals experience permanent nerve damage, weakness, numbness, fatigue or pain after having Guillain-Barre syndrome. These long-term symptoms may make walking and other activities difficult. Occupational therapy and vocational therapy can help you learn new ways to handle daily activities.