Guillain-Barré Syndrome
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What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
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What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The
first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances,
the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the
muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases, the disorder is life-threatening
and is considered a medical emergency. The patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing. Most patients, however,
recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although some continue to have some degree of weakness.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare. Usually Guillain-Barré occurs a few days or weeks after the patient has had symptoms of a
respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally, surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome. The disorder
can develop over the course of hours or days, or it may take up to 3 to 4 weeks. No one yet knows why Guillain-Barré strikes
some people and not others or what sets the disease in motion. What scientists do know is that the body's immune system begins
to attack the body itself, causing what is known as an autoimmune disease. Guillain-Barré is called a syndrome rather than
a disease because it is not clear that a specific disease-causing agent is involved. Reflexes such as knee jerks are usually
lost. Because the signals traveling along the nerve are slower, a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can give a doctor clues
to aid the diagnosis. The cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the spinal cord and brain contains more protein than usual, so a
physician may decide to perform a spinal tap.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
GBS/CIDP Foundation International The Holly Building 104 1/2 Forrest Ave. Narberth, PA 19072 info@gbsfi.com http://www.gbsfi.com Tel: 610-667-0131 866-224-3301 Fax: 610-667-7036 |
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Last updated July 30, 2008