Guillain-Barre syndrome

Diagnosis

In its early stages, Guillain-Barre syndrome can be challenging to identify. Its signs and symptoms can differ from person to person and are comparable to those of other neurological illnesses.

Your doctor will probably begin by taking a complete medical history and physical examination.

Your doctor might then suggest:

• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A little amount of spinal fluid is removed from the lower back’s spinal canal. The fluid is examined for a particular findings that frequently affects those with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• Electromyography. To study the muscles, your doctor will insert thin-needle electrodes that measure nerve activity in them.
• Nerve conduction studies. Above your nerves, electrodes are glued to the skin. In order to gauge the speed of nerve transmissions, a little shock is delivered to the nerve.

Treatment

The Guillain-Barre syndrome is incurable. However, the following two kinds of treatments can quicken recovery and lessen the severity of the illness:

• Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange). Your blood is extracted, and the liquid plasma is separated from the blood cells. After being reintroduced, the blood cells cause your body to produce more plasma to make up for what was lost. Plasmapheresis may function by removing certain antibodies from plasma that are involved in the immune system’s attack on the peripheral nerves.
• Immunoglobulin therapy. Intravenously administered immunoglobulin contains healthy antibodies from blood donors. High immunoglobulin levels help block the harmful antibodies that may cause Guillain-Barre syndrome.

These treatments both work well. Both approaches are equally effective, therefore there is no benefit to combining them or giving them one after the other.

Additionally, you might be prescribed medication for:

• Managing pain, which can be very intense
• Avoid blood clots, which might form when you’re not moving about.

Guillain-Barre syndrome sufferers require physical assistance and therapy both before and during recovery. Your care might consist of:

• Before recovery, care provider should move your arms and legs to keep your muscles supple and strong.
• During recovery, physical therapy to assist in overcoming fatigue and regaining strength and appropriate mobility
• Training with adaptive equipment to improve your mobility and self-care abilities, such as using a wheelchair or braces.