Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Rare but Serious Autoimmune Disorder
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious autoimmune disease, affects approximately 1 to 2 people per 100,000 in the United States each year, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This neurological condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and potentially paralysis.
The most common form of GBS is acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), which damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerves. Symptoms typically begin with tingling in the toes and feet, spreading upwards to the arms and fingers, and can progress rapidly. Other types include Miller Fisher syndrome, which affects the cranial nerves. Although the precise cause of GBS is unknown, it's often triggered by an infectious illness such as gastroenteritis or a lung infection. There's no cure for the condition, but treatment can help reduce symptom severity and shorten the illness duration. GBS can lead to difficulty walking, talking, chewing, or swallowing, severe back pain, loss of bladder control, fast heart rate, and breathing difficulties.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. Its cause is unknown, but it's often triggered by an infectious illness. Although there's no cure, treatment can help manage symptoms and shorten the illness duration. If you or someone else experiences symptoms such as tingling, weakness, or difficulty moving, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
