Everything You Should Know About Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Dr. Akash Santosh Prabhu February 6, 2025

Guillain–Barré Syndrome or GBS is a rare but serious condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its nerves, causing sudden muscle weakness and even paralysis. This condition is one of the leading causes of sudden paralysis around the world. The recent outbreaks of GBS in several states of India has therefore caused concern across the country. However, understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention steps can help you stay safe and stress-free.

What Causes Guillain-Barré syndrome

Normally, our immune systems protect us from infections, but in some circumstances, it can be confused. When this happens, it creates antibodies that usually fight off germs. In this situation, however, these antibodies target the protective covering of our nerves instead. This misguided immune response can be triggered by certain infections, such as those caused by the Epstein–Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Campylobacter jejuni. In some cases, events like recent vaccinations or surgery may also set off this reaction. GBS is the term used to describe the resulting symptoms. Understanding this process helps us recognise why GBS can develop and highlights the importance of monitoring our health after infections or medical procedures.

Symptoms of GBS - Guillain-Barré syndrome

GBS can present with a variety of symptoms that can be easily missed. However, it’s important that you look for these warning signs of GBS:

Weakness or fatigue
Tingling sensation or loss of sensation in the hands and feet
Weakening of muscles
Difficulty moving the joints
Breathing problems
Body pain and stiffness
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Increased sweating

Preventive Tips for GBS - Guillain-Barré syndrome

GBS is not entirely preventable as researchers still do not understand all of the causes and why some people develop the condition. However, as GBS is most commonly triggered by infections, increased hygiene and infection control practices are regarded as important for GBS prevention. Keeping this in mind, the following practices can help lower your risk:

Frequent hand-washing
Drinking boiled water
Avoiding unhygienic food
Avoiding partially or undercooked meats
Cleaning and disinfecting high-contact surfaces

The Importance of Timely Treatment

As GBS is a serious condition that can result in death, it must be treated as a medical emergency and patients should be hospitalised and monitored closely. Doctors and specialists can administer a variety of therapies to provide relief and control symptoms so that a patient’s condition is stabilized and does not deteriorate further. These therapies can include plasma exchange to remove harmful antibodies, immunoglobulin therapy, ventilator support, blood pressure control, and so on. Delayed treatment significantly raises the risk of life-threatening complications and death, making it important to seek medical attention swiftly.

The Final Takeaway

Although the threat of GBS is serious, treatment is effective when started early, and most patients recover fully. However, many patients experience lingering muscle weakness and the recovery process can be slow - some patients return to normal within months while others require years for complete recovery. Just make sure to follow up with doctors after treatment to get the best possible outcomes.

FAQs

Are children at higher risk of GBS?

There is no evidence to suggest that children are at a higher risk of GBS as compared to adults. In fact, children who receive timely medical treatment tend to have better outcomes than adults.

Does GBS cause any permanent damage?

Most people recover fully with treatment, but when treatment is delayed some individuals can suffer permanent effects because of lasting nerve damage, resulting in weakness and fatigue.