Context: The number of cases of Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) has crossed the 100 mark in Pune, Maharashtra with one suspected death due to GBS.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Guillain Barré Syndrome.
About Guillain Barré Syndrome
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare immunological nerve disorder that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness.
- In this condition, the body's immune system, while reacting to a bacterial or viral infection, mistakenly attacks the nerves (damages nerve cells) that carry brain signals to parts of the body.
- Caused by: Bacterial and viral infections (influenza virus, Norovirus) generally lead to GBS, spread through contaminated food and water. It can also be transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person vomits.
- Symptoms: Severe weakness in the limbs, paralysis, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Occurrence: GBS can occur in all paediatric, young-age and old-age groups. It generally impacts people with weak immunity.
Treatment
- The disease is self-limiting and most patients recover fully with treatment. It does not lead to an epidemic or pandemic.
- GBS treatment is expensive. Patients typically need a course of immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections. Each shot cost about Rs 20,000.
- 80% of affected patients regain their ability to walk without assistance within six months of hospital discharge.