Guillain-Barré syndrome, what it is, symptoms and causes

The state of Tlaxcala issued a alert epidemiological due to the increase in cases of Guillain Barre syndrome among the population, that is why it is important to know what iswhat are your symptoms y causes to identify it in time.

And on Tuesday, March 5, the Health department of that entity issued the alert because so far in 2024, 18 confirmed cases of the disease have been reported. Guillain Barre syndrome.

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disorder where the body’s immune system attacks by inflaming the patient’s peripheral nerves, that is, those that control the muscles of the body and, in severe cases, it can cause almost total paralysis and breathing problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Is it contagious?

According to health experts and sites specialized in the subject, Guillain Barré syndrome is not contagious, as it depends on the immune system.

Guillain-Barré syndrome, what it is, what are its symptoms and causes

The medical library Medline Pluspoints out that this nerve damage begins causing tinglingmuscle weakness, loss of balance and finally paralysis since this syndrome affects the covering of the nerve made up of myelin and this damage is called demyelination.

This disorder can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in adults and men.

The truth is that most patients recover completely, even in the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barré symptoms

World Health Organization (OMS) points out that the first symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include muscular weakness and feeling of tinglemainly in the extremities, but usually starts in the legs and can spread to the arms and face.

• In some cases, these symptoms can cause paralysis in the legs that spread to the upper body, arms, or legs. facial muscles.
• Weakness in the legs
• In approximately one third of patients, chest muscles are affected, which makes breathing difficult.
• In the serious cases of the Guillain-Barré syndrome, the ability to speak and swallow (comer) may be affected, which is considered potentially mortaland patients must be treated in intensive care units.
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function
• Sensation of tingle on your fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists
• Unstable gait or inability to walk or climb stairs
• Difficulty with facial movementswhich includes talking, chewing or swallowing
• Double vision or inability to move your eyes
• Severe pain, which may be a dull, shooting, or cramp-like ache, and may be worse at night
• Fast heart rate
• High or low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing

However, most patients make a full recovery even in the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome; However, some people continue to have weakness.

What causes Guillain Barré syndrome?

The causes that trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome are not known for certain, but in most cases it manifests itself following a bacterial or viral infection such as cytomegalovirusthe virus Epstein-Barr and the virus del Zikaexplains the WHO, which is what would lead the immune system to attack the body itself.

However, Guillain-Barré syndrome can also be contracted following the flu or other viral infections.

Another of the most common risk factors, he adds, is infection by the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, which causes gastroenteritiswith symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Serious cases

Severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome They are rare, but it can be deadly and that is when they will be required intensive care; Therefore, those who suffer from it need treatment and follow-up as soon as possible.

How long does Guillain Barré disease last?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that symptoms generally last a few weeks and although the majority recover completely, others suffer long-term damage to the nervous system.

In very rare cases, people have died from GBS, usually due to difficulty breathing.

What is the best treatment for Guillain Barré syndrome?

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) indicates that the most used treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome is immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)since when you have Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system, that is, the body’s natural defenses, produces harmful antibodies that attack the nerves and IGIVE it’s a treatment made from donated blood containing healthy antibodies.

Now you know everything regarding Guillain-Barré syndrome, what it is, what its symptoms and causes are.

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