Ask ARJ: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barré syndrome (also known as GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the body's immune system to attack the nerves.

What causes Guillain-Barré syndrome?

The exact cause of GBS is unknown. The disorder typically appears days or weeks after a digestive tract infection or respiratory virus.

What are the symptoms?

Guillain-Barré syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness that starts in the feet and legs and spreads to the upper body and arms.

In about 10 percent of people with the disorder, symptoms begin in the arms or face. As GBS progresses, muscle weakness can evolve into paralysis.

Signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome may include:

- Prickling “pins and needles” sensation in the fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists
- Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body
- Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs
- Difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Double vision or inability to move eyes
- Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting, or cramp-like, and may be worse at night
- Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function
- Rapid heart rate
- Low or high blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing

People with Guillain-Barré syndrome usually experience their most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin. Symptoms typically resolve within months with treatment.

What are GBS risk factors?

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect all age groups, but your risk increases as you age. It's also more common in males than females.

Guillain-Barré syndrome may be triggered by:

- Undercooked poultry
- Influenza virus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Zika virus
- COVID-19 virus
- Hepatitis A, B, C, and E
- HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Surgery
- Trauma
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Rarely, influenza vaccinations or childhood vaccinations

Does GBS have a cure?

There's no known cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness, including immunoglobulin infusion therapy.

How does ARJ treat Guillain-Barré syndrome?

For people with GBS symptoms, it’s important to contact a primary care physician for diagnosis and treatment plans.

Our pharmacists and specialty-trained infusion nurses provide customized care to treat Guillain-Barré syndrome. Early treatment makes a difference—and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy is available for patients in the home.

Source: mayoclinic.org »