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What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. A tingling sensation is typically the first sign, followed by weakness. This feeling can spread quickly throughout the entire body and can result in paralysis and nerve damage. The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome remains unknown; however, most cases are reported after a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection.
What are the symptoms and effects of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome feel tingling in the feet or hands. Many children feel pain in their back and/or legs. Weakness on both sides of the body is the biggest symptom and can make it difficult for a child to walk. It can spread to the arms, breathing muscles, and face. This feeling can progress over hours, days, or weeks. In general, however, symptoms peak within the first two weeks.
Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, coordination problems, abnormal heartbeat or blood pressure, and problems with digestion and/or bladder control.
How is Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosed and treated?
There are several forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome, each based on a patient’s specific symptoms:
- Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is the most common. It starts with muscle weakness in the lower part of the body and spreads upwards.
- Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), where paralysis starts in the eyes.
- Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN), which includes distal weakness, loss of tendon reflexes and sensory symptoms.
While there is no known cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, there are many different treatments available that can ease symptoms and aid in recovery. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the most commonly used treatment. Healthy plasma is infused into the veins to help fight off infections. A plasma exchange is sometimes used instead of IVIG. During this procedure, a machine removes blood from a vein and filters out the harmful antibodies before returning the healthy blood back into the body.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Care at Gillette Children's
At Gillette Children's, your child will be in the care of some of the nation’s top providers of comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation care for children and teens. Your family will also have access to our vast array of medical and surgical specialties. To learn more about how we can help, call 651-290-8707.
