About Guillain-Barre syndrome - neurologist answers

Author Dr. Beatrix Vághy | 2018.10.29.

Dr. Beatrix Vághy a neurologist and consultant in complementary medicine, draws attention to a rare but dangerous neurological condition, Guillain-Barre syndrome, in our latest post.

What should you know about Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Usually some kind of stomach or upper respiratory tract develops a few weeks after a viral infection a rare neurological disease with severe symptoms. Guillain-Barre syndrome attacks the nerves, typically originating from the lower or upper limbs starts with a feeling of numbness. Numbness from the foot or palm radiating upwards, i.e. towards the trunk, due to inflammatory disease of the nerves.

Nerve inflammation is usually acute and worsens very quickly. The numbness over an increasing area next to muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty walking or even breathing. In such extreme cases the patient is immediately admitted to intensive care, where they can ensure that the lungs function properly.

What to do if you experience upward radiating numbness and limb weakness?

Turn immediately a neurologist, in order to investigate and start treatment as soon as possible! During the examination find out exactly which nerves are affected by the inflammation. These can be motor, sensory or autonomic nerves. Brainwashing to make a diagnosis, which often involves electroneurographic (ENG) a neuroconduction test is also performed. After the correct diagnosis comes a treatment. This is can vary greatly from case to case, as it depends on the nerve damage, the degree of inflammation, the affected area, the general physical condition of the patient, etc. immunotherapy, possibly plasma exchange, in addition to symptomatic treatment comes into play. In the rehabilitation of muscles and nerves of the limbs, the physiotherapy and the physiotherapy also plays a key role - start as soon as the inflammation has subsided.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is curable in most cases, acute disease can usually be reversed in 2 to 6 weeks. In fact, with appropriate therapy, normal function of the affected limbs is restored. Very rarely, however, the problem becomes chronic, in which case, unfortunately, the treatment process can take years and the nerves may be more damaged.

To avoid this you should see a neurologist as soon as possible after the first symptoms are noticed. Fortunately, Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, with 1 or 2 new cases per 100,000 people every year. However, late summer is also the season for viral infections, so it's a good time to be careful and look out for yourself!