Guillain-Barré Syndrome: When the Body Attacks Its Own Nerves
By Anshika
Understanding GBS — an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system — from early symptoms to recovery.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. It affects approximately 1-2 people per 100,000 annually.
What Happens in GBS?
The immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly attack the myelin sheath surrounding peripheral nerves or the axons themselves. This disrupts nerve signal transmission, causing weakness, numbness, and eventually paralysis that typically starts in the legs and ascends upward.
Common Triggers
In about two-thirds of cases, GBS follows an infection. Common triggers include Campylobacter jejuni (the most common trigger), cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Treatment
**Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG):** The standard treatment. Donated antibodies help neutralize the harmful antibodies.
**Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis):** Removes harmful antibodies from the blood. Equally effective as IVIG.
Recovery and Prognosis
Recovery typically begins 2-4 weeks after the plateau phase. About 80% of patients eventually walk independently, though recovery can take months to years.