What is Guillain-Barr syndrome?

The Guillain-Barré syndrome is considered to be a rare yet serious condition that impacts an individual’s nervous system. 

The effects of the syndrome, which mainly include weakness, numbness and pain, are noticed in an individual’s hands, feet and limbs, according to reports from the United Kingdom’s National Health Services.

The symptoms of the Guillain-Barré syndrome include muscle weakness, difficulty in balancing and coordination and feeling “pins and needles”. 

The severity of the symptoms reportedly worsen with time before they gradually start to roll back. The process may take a few weeks. Difficulty in swallowing, breathing, walking and moving is also reported in severe cases of the syndrome.

Causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Even though not much is known about the syndrome so far, it is believed to be linked to an individual’s faulty immune system. The immune system, originally, is supposed to tackle any form of infection-causing germs while they enter your body. However, the immune system of someone who has the Guillain-Barré syndrome, attacks the nervous system, according to reports from UK’s National Health Services. 

The condition has normally been noticed in individuals who were recently infected with some other disease, in most cases diseases related to the airways or the digestive system.

Recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome

Even though getting the condition is rare, the impacts of it have the potential to be severe. The National Health Services reported that one out of 20 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome are fatal, mostly due to problems related to blood clots and/or breathing difficulties. 

One out of five people can face prolonged symptoms of the Guillain-Barré syndrome while most make a full recovery within weeks. 

The National Health Services of the UK recommend occupational therapy, physiotherapy and language therapy to cope with the long-term difficulties. 

According to reports from the Washington Post, about 3,000- 6,000 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome are reported in the United States annually.