Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. It often begins with weakness and tingling in the legs and can progress to paralysis in severe cases. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Causes:

• Autoimmune response: The body’s immune system attacks the nerves after an infection.
• Infections: The most common trigger is a viral or bacterial infection, such as:
  • Campylobacter jejuni (a bacterial infection)
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  • Influenza (flu)
  • COVID-19 (has been linked in some cases)
• Vaccinations and surgery can rarely trigger GBS.

Symptoms:

• Initial symptoms: Often starts with weakness or tingling in the legs, which can progress to the upper body and arms.
• Muscle weakness and paralysis: Can lead to difficulty with walking or breathing.
• Pain: Muscle or joint pain is common.
• Autonomic dysfunction: Problems with heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion can occur.
• Loss of reflexes: Reflexes, such as the knee jerk, may be diminished or absent.

Diagnosis:

• Neurological examination: To check for weakness, reflex loss, and sensory changes.
• Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate nerve and muscle function.
• Lumbar puncture: Can show high levels of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, a common sign of GBS.
• Nerve conduction studies: To assess nerve function.

Treatment:

• Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) or IV immunoglobulin (IVIg): These treatments help reduce the immune attack on the nerves.
• Supportive care: Includes physical therapy and possibly a ventilator if breathing becomes difficult.
• Pain management: For any muscle or nerve pain.
• Rehabilitation: A long recovery period is typical, with physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Recovery can take weeks to months, and while many people improve, some may experience lingering symptoms or long-term effects.