Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system.
It can cause muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even paralysis. In the most extreme cases, people with GBS may need to be hospitalized for weeks or months and may require intensive medical care. Fortunately, there are treatments available for GBS patients, and if caught early enough, it can be managed with relative ease.
Let’s take a closer look at what GBS is and how it can be treated.
- What is Guillain Barre Syndrome?
- How is Guillain Barre Syndrome diagnosed?
- How to Treat Guillain Barre Syndrome
- Specialty Pharmacy for Autoimmune Disorders
What Is Guillain Barre Syndrome?
Guillain Barre Syndrome (pronounced ghee-yan bar-ray) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves in the peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This attack on the nerves causes inflammation, which in turn leads to muscle weakness and even paralysis in some cases.
The exact cause of GBS is unknown, though it has been linked to certain infections such as Zika virus or Campylobacter jejuni (a type of bacteria found in contaminated food). It can also follow a minor illness such as a cold or flu.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome usually begins with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will likely order tests such as blood tests and electromyography (EMG), which measure electrical activity in your muscles. From this information, your doctor will be able to diagnose GBS if present.
How to Treat Guillain Barre Syndrome
If you’ve been diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome, there are several treatment options available to help manage it. The most common treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg), which involves injecting antibodies into your bloodstream to reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.
Other treatments include plasma exchange therapy (PEX), where blood plasma containing antibodies is replaced with healthy plasma; corticosteroid medications; occupational therapy; physical therapy; and even stem cell therapy for more severe cases of GBS.
Specialty Pharmacy for Autoimmune Disorders
Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system and can lead to muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even paralysis in extreme cases. While there is no cure for GBS yet, there are treatments available that can help manage it effectively if caught early enough.
With proper diagnosis and treatment by a skilled medical professional, those suffering from GBS will have every chance of making a full recovery over time.
Senderra offers specialized treatments for more than 15 specialties including autoimmune disorders, like sarcoidosis disease, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, CRSwNP and chronic asthma, gastroenterology, immune system disorders, dermatologic diseases, and more.
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Senderra: Mar 22, 2023 2:41:39 PM
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