Guillain-Barre syndrome is considered one of the most dangerous diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system. It can have very unpleasant consequences, and if improper treatment brings to the resuscitation of every third person.
Causes of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Since it is for certain to determine what exactly causes SGB, even the most experienced specialists can not, the ailment was called the idiopathic polyneuropathy. It is believed that the occurrence and development of the disease are associated with a malfunction of the immune system. It is very likely that infectious diseases precede the syndrome. After the body defeats the infection, immunity begins to attack its own myelin sheath. The antibodies it produces negatively affect the nerve tissues and processes that participate in the innervation of organs and muscles.
The first manifestations of Guillain-Barre syndrome usually appear several weeks after the following diseases:
- ARVI, ARI;
- viral enteritis;
- herpetic infections;
- mononucleosis;
- cytomegalovirus ;
- of lupus erythematosus.
Sometimes acute polyradiculitis - otherwise called syndrome - begins to develop after surgery, serious injuries. Predisposing to an ailment are malignant neoplasms. Often, GBS is diagnosed in people who are infected with HIV.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome
The main symptom of the disease is the appearance of weakness in the extremities. Muscle tone is significantly reduced, and tendon reflexes are too sluggish when viewed. As a rule, the defeat begins with the feet. They become less sensitive, there is a feeling of tingling. Over time, the ailment moves to the hands. If you do not start treatment in time, the weakness will spread throughout the body. Specialists even had to deal with cases in which patients breathing muscles were so relaxed that vital activity had to be maintained with the aid of an artificial ventilation apparatus.
Recognize the disease can be and other signs Treatment and rehabilitation after Guillain-Barre syndrome may be required in the presence of symptoms such as:
- low-grade fever ;
- muscle pain;
- sweating;
- chilliness of limbs;
- violation of eye movements;
- sensation of "goosebumps" in the limbs;
- arrhythmia;
- violation of speech and swallowing reflex;
- retention of urine;
- increased blood pressure;
- intestinal disorders;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- tachycardia.
Diagnosis and treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Even modern laboratory studies can not diagnose GBS with absolute certainty. When examining a patient, the specialist should consider all the symptoms. It will not be superfluous to have a comprehensive examination, including lumbar puncture, electromyography and studies of nerve impulses.
Treatment of the disease must be stationary. To combat acute polyradiculitis, human immunoglobulins are usually used, which are administered intravenously. Such therapy is most relevant in the case of patients who can not move independently. An alternative method is plasmapheresis. During the procedure, all toxins are removed from the patient's blood.
Recovery after Guillain-Barre syndrome can be prolonged. It must necessarily include exercise, massage. Many patients are helped to rehabilitate physiotherapy procedures. In some cases, a speech therapist is required.