Recognising the Rare Neurological Condition
First case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has been reported in Telangana of a 25-year-old woman from Siddipet who is currently undergoing treatment in the KIMS hospital. Her condition was severe, thus initially she was treated at another hospital for a week before being transferred to KIMS.
Though GBS cases are common in Pune, Maharashtra, the patient does not have any known family history of the disorder or any travel history to Pune. Often following an infection like fever or loose motions, consultant neurologist Dr. Praveen Kumar Yada clarified that GBS is an autoimmune disease whereby the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous system.
Though senior health officials in Telangana have discounted worries of an outbreak, stressing that GBS is not contagious and that cases often arise sporadically, the recent surge of 100 cases and two deaths in Pune raises questions. After her C-section, the woman had several health problems, including a diagnosis of GBS.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Rare neurological condition Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) causes the immune system to attack the body’s peripheral nerves. Muscle motions, temperature control, pain signals, and touch sensations are all under the direction of these nerves. Although the precise origin of GBS is unknown, in two-thirds of cases symptoms start following an infection—including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and even COVID-19 or Zika virus.
What are the symptoms for GBS?
Usually starting with tingling and weakness in the hands and feet, Guillain-Barré Syndrome GBS can rapidly spread and cause paralysis in severe cases. Usually, the symptoms peak two weeks after start.
Typical symptoms include:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome can manifest itself in several ways depending on symptoms and degree of progress:
Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) is a rare condition that starts with eye muscle paralysis and affects balance; acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is the most common type in North America and Europe. It is marked by lower body muscle weakness that spreads upward. More typical of Asian populations.
Rapid motor and sensory nerve damage defines both Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN) and Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN), variants more common in China, Japan, and Mexico.
Therapy and Recovery:
Although GBS does not have a known treatment, treatment emphasizes symptom control and quickening of recovery. Early intervention increases long-term results and helps to lower complications.
- Among the main treatment choices are intravenous immunoglobulin (IVG), which helps stop the immune assault on nerves.
- Removes dangerous antibodies from the blood by means of plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange; supports recovery by means of physical therapy, pain management, and ventilator support.
- Though some may have residual weakness, numbness, or tiredness, most patients recover six months to a year.
Visit a doctor when:
Should you have any of the following, seek emergency medical attention:
Early treatment and monitoring depend on hospitalization since GBS can aggravate quickly.
Final thoughts
GBS cases in Hyderabad recently draw attention to the need of early medical intervention and awareness. Although not contagious, GBS is a major neurological condition that needs to be immediately hospitalized for correct treatment. Most patients recover completely and get mobility in a few months with early therapy.
Providing the best possible patient care depends on knowledge of such rare medical conditions for future pharmacists and other healthcare workers. Elite Expertise is dedicated in teaching its readers and pharmacists about important diseases and their management, so they remain current on the most recent advancements in pharmacy and healthcare.
