Guide To Serious Nervous System Disorders

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks some of the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of this condition is currently unknown. However, it seems most cases begin in the days or weeks that follow a viral infection of the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems. Surgery may trigger this syndrome in certain patients, and some cases may also develop after infection with the Zika virus. In mild cases, brief weakness might be the only symptom. Severe cases could result in paralysis. Other symptoms include swallowing and speaking difficulties, eye muscle weakness, coordination problems, and bladder control issues. Pain could develop, and it is typically more severe at night. Patients might notice pins and needles sensations in the hands or feet, and heart rate and blood pressure abnormalities could develop. Symptoms may increase in severity over hours or weeks. The condition could progress so much that the patient is unable to use certain muscle groups and becomes paralyzed.

To diagnose this syndrome, doctors will start by performing a physical examination that includes checking the patient's reflexes. Guillain-Barre syndrome patients often have absent reflexes in the arms, and reflexes in the knees could also be absent. Nerve conduction tests and lumbar punctures help confirm the diagnosis. Patients with this syndrome are typically treated in the intensive care unit at the hospital. They may receive plasma exchange or high-dose immunoglobulin therapy. These treatments are most effective if they begin within two weeks of symptom onset. After being discharged from the hospital, most patients are transferred to a rehabilitation unit to receive physical and occupational therapy.

Reveal more details on nervous system disorders now.