Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS)
By: Emma Phelps
Summary of GBS
This disorder was named after French Physicians Georges Guillain and Jean Alexander Barre. It is a disorder when the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder. It damages parts of the nerves. Which makes the body tingle, and have muscle weakness. This damaging to your nerves is called Demyelination.
Signs & Symptoms
Loss of tendon reflexes in the arms and legs, Abnormal heart rate, Blurred vision, Muscle Contractions, Paralysis, Severe Lower Back Pain.
Tests : Spinal Fluid ( Spinal Tap) , Nerve Conduction Velocity Test.
Treatment: Apheresis and/or Plasmapheresis may be given to someone who has GBS. Intravenous Immunoglobulin.
Prognosis
It can take weeks, months, or years. Most people survive and recover. Weakness may still be there after having this disorder. The outcome is usually promising if the symptoms go away within 3 weeks.
Statistics
- 30% of people who recover from GBS still have weakness after 3 years.
- From October 1, 2009 to January 31, in Minnesota 82 cases of have been reported and 14 cases are still under investigation.
- About 1 in 100,000 are maybe going to have GBS