What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Know when to seek treatment; how to prevent it

Tingling weakness of handgrip or foot drop could signal GuillainBarreacute Syndrome GBS said health experts on Monday even as the reported cases spike to over a hundred in Pune MaharashtraThe Maharashtra health department on Sunday also reported what is suspected to be the first death linked to the GBS outbreak concentrated in PuneThe Union health ministry has sent a team to Punersquos Sinhgad area where the outbreak is currently concentratedWhat is GBSGBS is a serious illness that often progresses rapidly making the patient bedridden in a few days It is associated with damage to nerves causing severe weakness of limbs trunk and faceIt is often followed by a bacterial or viral infection such as diarrhoea causing Campylobacter Jejuni bacteria or viral infections like dengue or chikungunya that wreaks havoc on the nervesIn people afflicted with GBS the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerves outside the brain and spinal cord leading to weakness and sometimes paralysis or even deathldquoGBS is a very rare but potentially paralysing nerve disorder caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the bodyrsquos own nerves It is often triggered by gastrointestinal or respiratory infectionsrdquo Rajeev Jayadevan Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell told IANSCampylobacter a bacterial gut infection that spreads through contaminated food and water has been linked to the current outbreak The symptoms of GBS typically include gastrointestinal issues like nausea vomiting and diarrhoea before GBS onsetThe condition causes ldquoweakness that is progressive later involving the upper limbs and can also affect the muscles involved with breathingrdquo the expert said However it is important to note that the vast majority of infections do not result in GBS said Jayadevan also a Kochibased gastroenterologistldquoImproving sanitation water and air quality along with general measures to reduce the spread of infections in communities can help lower the riskrdquo he saidWhen to seek medical helpThe illness often starts suddenly and can progress over 4 weeks Some patients may experience rapid worsening while others may progress more slowlyWhile prompt diagnosis and treatment of GBS are crucial with delays potentially leading to worse outcomes the symptoms are often common related to other diseases and may not always end up as GBSldquoIf someone develops newonset tingling sensation and weakness especially in the legs with difficulty walking they should seek immediate attention at a hospital with advanced facilitiesrdquo Jayadevan told IANS adding that ldquofacial weakness can appear with drooping of the eyelid ptosis or a smile involving only one side of the facerdquoDr Pawan Ojha director Neurology from a Vashibased hospital told IANS that it is important for the public not to panic over simple tingling numbness of limbs or faceldquoBut GBS should be considered only when there is weakness of handgrip foot drop or difficulty in raising hands above shoulder or rising above the groundrdquo Ojha saidHe noted that some patients also get severe autonomic disturbances that is fluctuating blood pressure heart rate cardiac arrhythmias temperature sweatingbowel urinary disturbances which can be lifethreatening at timesldquoAny difficulty in speaking swallowing or breathing could also be a sign of severe GBS and should receive urgent medical attentionrdquo the expert said ldquoAlthough these symptoms are not unique to GBS they require immediate and thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause With modern medical treatment full recovery is possible in most casesrdquo Jayadevan notedGBS patients should be hospitalised for close monitoring of vital signs or worsening and for urgent treatment Severe cases of GBS might require ICU admission and ventilatory support Complications like abnormal heartbeat infections blood clots and high or low blood pressure need early detection and treatmentUrgent treatment in the acute phase is intravenous immunoglobulin injections over 5 days or plasma exchange over a week Steroids are usually avoidedDevices like braces or wheelchairs might be necessary for some time said Ohja Physical therapy is necessary for patients to regain strength and movement and avoid secondary infectionsHow to prevent GBSThe state health department in an advisory shared that one can prevent GBS up to a certain extent by taking general precautions such as drinking boiled water bottled water washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating properly cooking poultry and meat avoiding raw or undercooked food especially salads eggs kebabs or seafoodIt also suggested keeping raw and cooked foods separate disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat as well as adopting general hygiene measures like frequent hand washing with soap especially before eating and after using the toiletThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever