GBS, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, is a rare condition in which a person's immune system mistakenly attacks their peripheral nerves. These nerves carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and other parts of the body. This attack causes inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating around the nerves. This can lead to muscle weakness, tingling, and other symptoms.
While anyone can be affected by GBS, it's more common in adults and males. Most people recover fully, even from severe cases. However, some individuals may experience long-term effects.
GBS is often triggered by a recent infection, such as a respiratory or digestive illness. It can also be associated with surgery, trauma, or vaccines.
Here are some important details about GBS:
- Immune system attack: GBS is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, in this case, the peripheral nerves.
- Nerve damage: The inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath can disrupt nerve signals, leading to muscle weakness, tingling, and other symptoms.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, difficulty walking, and paralysis.
- Recovery: While recovery is possible, it can take weeks, months, or even years. Some people may experience long-term effects, such as weakness, fatigue, or pain.
- Treatment: Treatment usually involves supportive care, such as plasma exchange or immunoglobulin therapy, to reduce the immune system's attack on the nerves.
References:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition in which a person's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (pronounced Ghee-yan Bah-ray) is a rare neurological disorder in which a person's immune system mistakenly ...
- It's a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system outside the brain ...
