What are symptoms of fishers disease?

Fishers disease also called Fisher Syndrome or Guillain-Barré–Strohl syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its own nerves. The exact cause of Fisher syndrome is unknown, but it often is triggered by an infection, such as the flu or Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

People with Fisher syndrome might have the following signs and symptoms:

Paralysis that starts in the legs and spreads to the arms and upper body

Difficulty speaking and swallowing

Droopy eyelids

Muscle weakness

Loss of reflexes

Tingling or prickling sensations

Difficulty breathing

Rapid heart rate

Low blood pressure

Incontinence

Diagnosis

Blood tests to check for antibodies against the body's own nerves (anti-GQ1b antibodies)

Nerve conduction studies to measure the speed at which electrical signals travel through the nerves

Electromyography to measure the electrical activity in the muscles

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine to look for inflammation in the nerves

Treatment

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, which is a treatment that uses antibodies from healthy people to help block the body's immune system from attacking its own nerves.

Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), which is a procedure that removes harmful antibodies and other substances from the blood.

Supportive care, which may include:

Mechanical ventilation to help with breathing

Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration

Pain medication

Treatment of any infections

Preventing Fisher Syndrome

There is no known way to prevent Fisher syndrome, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a full recovery.