How to Identify Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillaine-Barre is a rare syndrome, affecting one in 100,000 people, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders. The syndrome occurs when the body's immune system attacks peripheral nerves. As a result, a feeling of weakness spreads throughout the limbs. Experts do not know the exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome. But many have pointed out that symptoms of the syndrome develop days or weeks after the sufferer has had a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection and to a lesser extent, after surgery or vaccinations. Patients feel the sensation of weakness or tingling at the onset of Guillaine Barre. The weakness progresses to a loss of feeling in the legs, chest and arms. In some life-threatening cases, sufferers experience paralysis. Learn more about how to identify Guillain-Barr below.

Instructions

• 1

  Get to know the symptoms of Guillaine-Barr syndrome. Recognize the first symptom as a weakness in the legs that can spread upward to the arms and chest. Be aware that a progressive numbness follows. Know that the symptoms are usually limited to a loss of feeling. Understand, however, severe cases can lead to paralysis of the limbs.

• 2

  Realize that in the extreme, symptoms can affect not only the rib cage and diaphragm, but also blood pressure and heart rate. Understand that this can interfere with breathing and swallowing; thus, patients may require a respirator or artificial feeding machine.

• 3

  Comprehend that in Guillaine-Barr syndrome, the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. Damaged nerves do not send signals as well. As a result, the nerve network is compromised. The muscles do not pick up signals as efficiently from the brain. Inversely, the brain picks up fewer signals from the body. This leads to the sufferer's loss of feeling or inability to differentiate textures, heat or pain.

• 4

  Do not forget that Guillaine-Barr is potentially life threatening so it is advisable to seek medical attention. Remember that Guillaine-Barr is a syndrome, as opposed to a disease, which means an identifiable disease causing agent is lacking. Be aware this makes diagnosis difficult. Expect the physician to administer tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

• 5

  Take comfort in the fact that most patients recuperate. Know that there are treatments available. Acknowledge that it may take weeks or months to recover. Accept that fact, that in severe cases, the sufferer may retain a certain degree of weakness in the affected limbs.