Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome is another disorder of peripheral nerves in the
category of polyneuropathy. This is a dangerous condition that requires
immediate hospitalization because it can progress so rapidly that in a
few hours it could cause complete paralysis and death. In addition, an
early detection and treatment of this condition has greater
possibilities of full recovery.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s
immune system creates inflammation to attack the peripheral nerves
outside the brain and spinal cord. It damages the communication between
the brain and the nerve at the point of injury. Earliest symptoms are
numbness or paralysis in many body parts. The cause is not known but it
could be triggered by seemingly harmless events such as a vaccination
or minor surgery. Sometimes the reason is not apparent.
There are a variety of symptoms, which include numbness, paralysis
of the fact, arms, legs or respiratory muscles. Other symptoms include
difficulty breathing, weakness in all parts of the body, difficulty
talking or swallowing, slow heart beat, low blood pressure, or
diminished bladder and bowel control to name a few.
Treatment should be under the direction of a neurologist for
diagnosis and most effective treatment. Many of the patients will
have full recovery with no treatment except proper nutrition and
physiotherapy, but the doctor has several options including drugs and,
if necessary, surgery. Other methods of treatment that have been
successful include blood transfusions and plasma exchange. Plasma
exchange is believed to remove antibodies from the blood which will
reduce the autoimmune attacks.
Regardless of the treatment, a healthy lifestyle with proper
nutrition will not only help to prevent this condition but almost any
health problem. For more information on a healthy lifestyle view
my articles on “Keys to the Century Mark” and “Alzheimer’s” by clicking
on the link below.
