Gullain-Barre

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a disease of the nervous system due to damage to the myelin sheath around nerves. The myelin sheath acts as an insulator the same as rubber or plastic around electrical wires. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is the most frequent acquired (as opposed to inherited) nerve disease (neuropathy). In many cases it follows shortly after a virus infection. It is also rarely associated with immunizations, surgery, and childbirth. The cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is unknown, but it appears that there is an autoimmune (one's own immune system attacks the body) reaction. Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome include weakness, typically beginning in the legs and progressing upward. The weakness is accompanied by decreased feeling (paresthesia). Reflexes are lost, for example, the hammer to the front of the knee will not induce a kick. In severe cases breathing can be affected enough to require a ventilator and rarely the heart can be affected. The maximal degree of weakness usually occurs within the first 2-3 weeks. The majority of patients can expect a slow but progressive recovery over several months. In severe cases the primary concern is maintaining vital functions and passively exercising the muscles. This sometimes requires temporary artificial breathing machines for severely affected patients. Plasmapheresis is a method to remove toxic substances from the blood and has been shown to improve outcome and shorten the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin is also beneficial.