Service Details

GBS

GBS can be life-threatening, especially if it affects the autonomic nerves. Complications include cardiac arrhythmias, unstable blood pressure, digestion issues, and bladder control issues. 

Symptoms usually get worse over a few hours, days, or weeks. Most people are at their weakest 3 weeks after symptoms start. 

GBS can be caused by infections from bacteria and viruses, including:

• Campylobacter jejune, which causes diarrhea
• Hemophilic influenza, which causes chest infection
• Cytomegalovirus, which causes chest infection or glandular fever
• Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever
• Hepatitis E, which causes jaundice
• Zika virus, which causes fever, rash, and joint pain 

Treatment for GBS includes plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), and rehabilitation. Most people with GBS recover well with treatment. However, some people may experience long-term weakness, numbness, fatigue, or pain.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) include:

• Weakness or tingling: Often first felt in the legs, then in the arms and upper body. Weakness can increase to the point where some muscles can't be used. 
• Numbness: Loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs. 
• Pain: Sharp, shooting pain, often in the legs or back. Pain can be severe, especially at night. 
• Difficulty moving: Difficulty using muscles, moving joints, or swallowing. 
• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing. 
• Eye problems: Double vision or difficulty with eye muscles.