Guillain-Barré syndrome is a serious autoimmune disease because the immune system attacks nerve cells, causing inflammation of nerves and, consequently, muscle weakness and paralysis, which can be fatal. Diagnosing the syndrome in the initial stage is difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of other neurological diseases.
The syndrome has rapid progression and most patients receive a high flow after 4 weeks, but full recovery time can take months or years. Most patients recover and walk after 6 months to 1 year of treatment, but there are cases where it is more difficult and takes about 3 years to recover.
- Signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome can develop rapidly and slow down over time.
- Leaving the individual paralyzed in less than 3 days; however.
- Not all patients suffer serious injuries.
- As some may show only weakness of the arms and legs.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome may include
When the diaphragm is affected, the patient may have shortness of breath, and in this case it is important that the patient is connected to a respiratory system, if not performed, the patient may die because the respiratory muscles do not work, resulting in suffocation.
In the case of suspicion of Guillain-Barré, the neurologist should be immediately referred to the hospital for tests confirming the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome to avoid total paralysis.
The main cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome in infections, because the most resistant microorganisms can compromise the functioning of the nervous and immune system.
Due to changes in the immune system, the body organizes itself to attack the peripheral nervous system itself, destroying the myelin pool, which is the membrane that coats nerves and accelerates the conduction of the nerve impulse, to the origin of symptoms. In addition to losing the myelin box, nerves become inflamed and prevent the transmission of nerve signal to muscles, causing muscle weakness and stiffness in the legs and arms for example.
Diagnosing Guillain-Barré syndrome at an early stage is difficult because the symptoms are similar to several diseases where there is neurological impairment.
Diagnosis is confirmed by tests and examinations of symptoms, such as MRI, lumbar puncture, electrocardiogram, and electromyography, which is a test to evaluate the conduction of the nerve impulse. Learn more about electromyography.
All patients diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome should remain hospitalized for proper follow-up and treatment, as if not treated they can lead to the patient with muscle paralysis.
Treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome aims to relieve symptoms and speed recovery. Initial treatment should be done in the hospital, but after discharge, treatment should continue if physical therapy sessions are recommended.
The treatment that is carried out in the hospital is plasmapheresis, in which blood is drawn from the body, with the aim of eliminating the substances that cause the disease and then returning the blood to the body, in this way the plasmapheresis is able to retain the antibodies. responsible for attacking the immune system.
Another treatment option is the injection of high doses of immunoglobulins (antibodies) against antibodies that attack nerves, reducing inflammation and destruction of the myelin pool.
However, when serious complications occur, such as breathing difficulties, heart problems, or gastrointestinal problems, the patient may need to remain hospitalized to monitor them and prevent further complications.