GuillainBarrésyndrooma

GuillainBarrésyndrooma is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks a part of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition. The exact cause is unknown, but it often follows an infection, such as a viral or bacterial illness. In some cases, it can be triggered by vaccinations.

The primary symptoms of GuillainBarrésyndrooma include weakness and tingling sensations in the extremities, which often begin in the legs and spread upwards to the arms. This weakness can progress to paralysis. Other symptoms may include difficulty walking, loss of reflexes, and pain. In severe cases, it can affect the muscles used for breathing, requiring mechanical ventilation. The onset of symptoms is usually rapid, developing over days to weeks.

Diagnosis is typically based on medical history, a neurological examination, and tests such as nerve conduction studies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment aims to reduce the severity of the illness and prevent complications. Two common treatments are plasma exchange, which removes antibodies from the blood, and immunoglobulin therapy, which involves infusing antibodies from healthy donors. Most people with GuillainBarrésyndrooma recover, although recovery can be slow and may take months or even years. Some individuals may experience residual weakness or other long-term effects.