Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

• Recent Surge in Gaza:
  There has been a notable increase in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Gaza, which in severe cases can cause full-body paralysis.

About Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

• Definition:
  GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).

• Functions of Peripheral Nervous System:
  Controls muscle movement, pain signals, temperature, and touch sensations.

• Other Name:
  Also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).

• Commonly Affected Age Group:
  Can affect any age, but mostly people aged 30 to 50 years.

Causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

• The exact cause is unknown, but it often follows:

  • Viral or bacterial infections

  • Vaccination

  • Major surgery

• During these events, the immune system can become overactive, attacking the peripheral nerves.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

• Early symptoms may include:

  • Unknown fever

  • Weakness in muscles

  • Other nervous system symptoms

• Symptoms can worsen over hours, days, or weeks, potentially causing:

  • Loss of muscle function

  • Paralysis, sometimes severe enough to prevent breathing without assistance

• Severity ranges from mild weakness to life-threatening paralysis.

Treatment and Recovery

• No known cure for GBS exists.

• Treatments focus on relieving symptoms and speeding up recovery.

• Most patients recover completely, but some cases can be fatal.

• Recovery time can take several years; however, many regain the ability to walk within six months of onset.

FAQ

Q: Which part of the nervous system does Guillain-Barré Syndrome primarily affect?
A: The peripheral nervous system.