In just one week, more than 100 people in Pune, Maharashtra, have been gripped by the disease known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Sixteen patients are currently on ventilators, and there is news of one death due to GBS in Solapur, although official confirmation is pending. According to reports, the patient contracted the infection in Pune before traveling to Solapur. This raises important questions: What exactly is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? How dangerous is it? What are its symptoms, and how can one protect against it?
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome
This is an autoimmune neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own nerves, leading to difficulties in activities as basic as standing, walking, and even breathing. Paralysis can also be a symptom of this syndrome.
Our nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which comprises all other nerves in the body. Guillain-Barré Syndrome targets the peripheral nervous system.
A Disease That Once Threatened an American President
It's critical to note that about 7.5% of those affected by GBS globally succumb to the illness. GBS is rare, typically affecting one to two individuals per 100,000 annually. The syndrome claimed the life of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, initially believed to have died from polio but later research confirmed GBS as the cause.
Source: aajtak
The syndrome is named after French neurologists Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré, who, along with André Strohl, extensively researched the disease in 1916.
Emergency Declared in Peru
In 2023, Guillain-Barré Syndrome wreaked havoc in Peru, prompting the government to declare a 90-day health emergency to manage the outbreak.
Recognizing Symptoms
GBS typically begins with tingling and weakness in the hands and feet. These symptoms can rapidly progress, potentially leading to paralysis. Initial signs might include tingling in the extremities, muscle weakness, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing, double vision or eye movement issues, severe pain, mainly in the muscles, urinary or bowel problems, and breathing difficulties.
Source: aajtak
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome can escalate quickly, potentially resulting in paralysis, with the condition peaking within two weeks.
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Types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
1. Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP):
The most common form of GBS, primarily affecting North America and Europe, involves inflammation of the nerves' myelin sheath. It typically begins with muscle weakness spreading from the legs upward.
2. Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS):
Notably affecting the eyes first, it's more prevalent in Asia, characterized by eye irritation and pain.
3. Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy and Axonal Neuropathy:
These forms are more common in China, Japan, and Mexico, but rare in North America.
Causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
The precise causes of GBS remain unclear; however, it's usually seen following an infection. It's known to often occur after respiratory or gastrointestinal infections and sometimes follows a serious injury or surgery.
Prevention and Treatment Options
While there's no definitive cure for GBS, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and accelerating recovery.
1. Plasma Exchange:
This involves replacing the blood plasma to remove harmful substances, providing relief to the nervous system.
2. Immunoglobulin Therapy:
A dose of antibodies is administered to counteract the harmful immune response, protecting nerve cells from further damage. Painkillers and physiotherapy are also recommended.
