Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): Causes, symptoms, and treatment of the autoimmune disorder

Symptoms of GBS: Early symptoms of GBS, such as weakness, numbness, and fatigue, are often mistaken for minor nerve issues, viral infections, or even stress

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. This leads to weakness, tingling sensations, and in severe cases, complete paralysis.

The symptoms of GBS can mimic common neurological conditions, and there is no single test to confirm it. Without timely intervention, GBS can rapidly progress, leading to paralysis and even respiratory failure, says Dr Anurag Lamba, Director of Neurology, Paras Health, Panchkula. He explains, "GBS is one of the most challenging neurological emergencies due to its rapid progression and the absence of a definitive test. GBS often starts with mild tingling or weakness in the legs, gradually spreading to the upper body. In some cases, the condition can escalate within hours or days, leading to difficulty breathing, loss of reflexes, and paralysis.”

Signs and symptoms:

Dr Lamba explains that Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) often begins with tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, which can progress to muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, and severe pain in the lower back. “In some cases, facial weakness, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, and even respiratory difficulties may develop, highlighting the urgency of recognizing these warning signs early for timely medical intervention,” he says.

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Causes of GBS:

The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it is often triggered by infections. "Many cases of GBS follow a bacterial or viral infection, such as Campylobacter jejuni (a gastrointestinal infection), influenza, or even COVID-19. However, it is not a virus itself but rather an immune system response gone wrong," Dr Lamba shares.

Other possible triggers, he says, include, recent respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, immune responses following vaccination (although rare), surgery or trauma, and autoimmune activation triggered by certain illnesses.

GBS diagnosis is challenging due to the following reasons:

Symptoms mimic other common conditions: Early symptoms of GBS, such as weakness, numbness, and fatigue, are often mistaken for minor nerve issues, viral infections, or even stress. This can lead to delays in seeking medical attention.

No single test confirms GBS: Unlike conditions such as heart attacks or strokes, which have clear diagnostic markers, GBS requires a combination of clinical observations and laboratory tests.

Also read | GBS outbreak: Second death reported in Andhra Pradesh

Overlapping symptoms with other neurological disorders:

GBS shares characteristics with many other serious conditions, including:

Myasthenia Gravis: Muscle weakness that fluctuates but improves with rest

Transverse Myelitis: Paralysis caused by spinal cord inflammation

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): Similar to GBS but progresses slowly

Hypokalemia: Weakness caused by low potassium levels, without sensory loss

Tick paralysis: Rapidly progressing paralysis that resolves once the tick is removed

Botulism: Descending paralysis starting with vision problems and difficulty swallowing

Treatment and recovery:

Early intervention plays an important role in reducing the severity and duration of GBS. Dr Lamba says that treatment primarily aims to stop immune system attacks and support the body during recovery. “Key treatments include Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), which helps regulate the immune response, and Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis), which removes harmful antibodies from the blood. Supportive care, such as physical therapy, pain management, and respiratory support when necessary, is also essential. While most patients begin recovering within weeks to months, some may continue to experience lingering weakness or fatigue. If they experience sudden weakness, difficulty walking, or unexplained tingling sensations, they should visit the doctor. Early intervention can prevent severe complications and drastically improve the chances of a full recovery," suggests Dr Lamba.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.