Sehatnama- 20 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome found in Pune: Walking, getting up, breathing becomes difficult, know from the doctor how dangerous this disease is.

More than 20 suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have been reported in Pune in just one week. Many hospitals have also shared blood, stool, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples with ICMR and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for diagnosis.

GBS is an autoimmune condition. In this, our immune system attacks its own nerves. This causes neurological disorders. Due to this, hands and legs suddenly become weak. Even getting up and sitting becomes difficult.

This is a rare syndrome. Every year about one lakh cases are reported all over the world. Finding of 20 suspected cases in Pune within a week can be a matter of concern. In the year 2023, 180 cases of this disease were recorded in the South American country Peru between June 1 and July 15. To deal with this, the government there had to impose health emergency for 90 days. This is why people are scared of so many cases being reported simultaneously in Pune.

so 'Health Form' Today I will talk about Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). You will also learn that-

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

It is an autoimmune neurological disorder. In this the immune system attacks the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Due to this, it may become difficult for people to get up, walk, and even breathe.

Our nervous system has two parts. The first is the central nervous system, which consists of the spinal cord and brain. The second is the peripheral nervous system, which contains all the other nerves throughout the body. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system attacks another part of the nervous system, i.e. the peripheral nervous system.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

The nerves of the peripheral nervous system connect the brain to the rest of the body and control the function of many organs, including muscles. Due to their damage, the messages coming from the brain are not able to reach the muscles. Due to this, control over the muscles starts losing. Therefore, when the patient wants to get up or walk, he is unable to.

Usually its first symptom is that it starts tingling in the toes. After this, it spreads to the entire paw, then to the entire leg and in this sequence, it spreads upwards to the entire body. Its symptoms can increase rapidly. What other symptoms can be seen in this, see the graphic:

What can be the complications of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

If GBS damages the autonomic nerves, it can even lead to death. Our autonomic nerves control automatic body functions like heart beat, blood pressure and digestion. One cannot survive for very long if these functions are uncontrolled. What conditions can arise due to this, see the graphic.

What is the treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome?

There is no cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, treatment is done to reduce its symptoms.

What therapy does the doctor give in treatment?

Doctors usually give these 2 therapies:

In this treatment, plasma is separated from the blood and purified. This removes those antibodies which are attacking the nerve cells. After this the blood and plasma are put back into the body.

In this therapy, antibodies are taken from a healthy donor and given to the patient. These antibodies balance the body's immune system. With this the attacks on nerve cells can be reduced.

Some common questions and answers related to Guillain-Barré syndrome