What are the Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and How to Prevent It?

Symptoms of GBS

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which our body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms start with tingling sensations or muscle weakness in the legs and can spread to the face and arms.

The signs and symptoms of Guillain Barre syndrome include:

• ``Pins and needles’’ sensation in toes, fingers, wrists, or ankles

• Muscle weakness that starts in the legs and spreads upwards to the face and arms

• Difficulty with speaking, chewing, or swallowing

• Walking gets unsteady

• Severe pain in the back, shoulder, or legs

• Double vision

• Climbing stairs becomes difficult

• Trouble moving eyes

• Rapid heart rate and fluctuations in blood pressure

• Controlling your bladder or bowels becomes difficult

• Weakness in chest muscles, which can make breathing difficult

Symptoms typically last a few weeks. However, if they get worse, you must seek immediate medical attention. In severe cases, GBS can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms, or facial muscles.

Causes of GBS

What causes GBS is still not known. It is believed to be linked to infections, surgeries, or illnesses that trigger an autoimmune response. Some common causes of GBS include –

• Viral infections due to influenza, Zika virus, or Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

• Bacterial infections such as Campylobacter jejuni, which causes food poisoning. This infection usually results from undercooked poultry.

• Certain vaccinations like COVID-19 or flu can trigger GBS. This is rare, though.

• Surgery or trauma

• Other medical conditions like lymphoma can cause the syndrome

Diagnosis of GBS

The following tests are conducted to confirm GBS –

1. Physical examination: The doctor will assess your symptoms, muscle strength, and reflexes.

2. Medical history: If you have had any recent illnesses or infections, how and when the symptoms started?

3. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): This test will measure the speed of nerve signals. If there is nerve damage, the signals will be blocked.

4. Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate the electrical activity in the muscles, which will help differentiate between nerve-related and muscle-related weakness.

5. Lumbar Puncture: In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the lower spinal cord to collect cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid is then sent for testing, and if the protein levels are elevated, it indicates GBS.

6. Blood tests: To rule out other conditions and infections.

How To Prevent GBS?

GBS cannot be prevented. However, certain precautionary measures can help reduce the risk of developing this autoimmune disorder. Let’s take a look at these –

• Practicing hand hygiene such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.

• Ensure foods like meat and poultry are cooked properly to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases.

• Drink boiled or purified water.

• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods such as eggs, seafood, or salads.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming.

• Maintain a strong immunity by eating a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains), regularly exercising, getting adequate sleep, refraining from smoking and alcohol, and managing stress with meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques.

• Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of infections such as respiratory difficulty, diarrhoea, or fever. Early intervention can help prevent complications.