GBS is a rare but serious neurological disorder that leads to the immune system attacking the body’s own nerves. This condition is often triggered by a preceding bacterial or viral infection
Tingling sensations, a weakened hand grip, or difficulty in walking can signal the onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), health experts have warned. Recently, reported cases of GBS have spiked in Pune, Maharashtra, with the Maharashtra Health Department confirming a suspected death linked to the ongoing outbreak, concentrating mainly in Pune. This alarming increase has prompted the Union Health Ministry to dispatch a team to Pune’s Sinhgad area, where the outbreak is currently centered.
GBS is a rare but serious neurological disorder that leads to the immune system attacking the body’s own nerves. This condition is often triggered by a preceding bacterial or viral infection. These infections could include gastrointestinal infections like those caused by Campylobacter jejuni or viral infections such as dengue, chikungunya, and respiratory infections. GBS can escalate rapidly, making a patient bedridden within days, and can, in severe cases, lead to paralysis or even death.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, explained that GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This damage causes weakness in the limbs, trunk, and face. Symptoms can include progressive muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, breathing issues, and in severe cases, paralysis.
“This is a very rare but potentially debilitating nerve disorder, often triggered by infections like gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases. It can affect people across all age groups and typically worsens over several days,” said Dr. Jayadevan.
The current outbreak in Pune has been linked to Campylobacter, a bacterial gut infection that spreads through contaminated food or water. This bacterium is often associated with diarrhea, which is a common precursor to GBS. Dr. Jayadevan emphasized that while the majority of gastrointestinal or respiratory infections do not result in GBS, the risk is significant for certain bacterial infections.
GBS is characterized by its rapid progression. Patients initially experience mild symptoms such as tingling, weakness in the lower limbs, or difficulty in walking, which may then spread to the upper limbs and face. In severe cases, the muscles involved in breathing may also be affected, necessitating respiratory support.
The condition begins with gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which typically precede the onset of GBS symptoms. The weakness caused by GBS is often progressive, initially affecting the lower limbs, and it can extend to other parts of the body. In advanced stages, patients may lose the ability to perform basic tasks, such as standing, sitting, or even breathing without assistance.
While it is crucial to seek prompt treatment for GBS, diagnosing it early can be challenging as its symptoms often overlap with other conditions. As Dr. Pawan Ojha, Director of Neurology at a hospital in Vashi, pointed out, common symptoms like tingling or numbness may not necessarily indicate GBS. “GBS should be suspected when there is a noticeable weakness in hand grip, foot drop, difficulty in raising arms above shoulder level, or rising from the ground,” he advised.
One of the earliest signs of GBS includes difficulty in walking, often accompanied by the feeling of weakness in the feet and legs. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, especially in combination with facial weakness (such as drooping eyelids or an uneven smile), it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital with advanced facilities.
Additionally, patients may experience autonomic disturbances, such as fluctuating blood pressure, heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and disturbances in temperature regulation, bowel movements, or urinary functions. These symptoms can be life-threatening and require urgent medical care. As Dr. Jayadevan stated, “Difficulty in speaking, swallowing, or breathing should be taken as a medical emergency and evaluated immediately.”
The treatment for GBS is time-sensitive. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes, while delays may lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Modern treatments for GBS include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, typically administered over five days, or plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) performed over a week. These therapies help to reduce the severity of the symptoms and speed up recovery.
Steroids, however, are typically avoided in treating GBS, as they have not shown efficacy in improving outcomes and could lead to complications. In severe cases, when respiratory muscles are affected, patients may need ventilatory support, and some may require ICU care for continuous monitoring and treatment of life-threatening complications.
Physical therapy is crucial for GBS patients during their recovery phase to regain strength and mobility and prevent complications like blood clots, muscle atrophy, or infections. Braces or wheelchairs might be necessary for some individuals as they recover. While many GBS patients can make a full recovery, the road to recovery can be long and gradual.
While it is difficult to prevent GBS entirely, certain preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection, which, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of developing GBS. The Maharashtra Health Department has issued an advisory suggesting that the public adopt basic hygiene practices to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
Drinking boiled or bottled water, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, and ensuring proper cooking of poultry and meat are key preventive measures. Avoiding raw or undercooked food, especially salads, eggs, seafood, and kebabs, can also lower the chances of contracting infections that could lead to GBS.
In addition, it is vital to practice good food safety in the kitchen by keeping raw and cooked foods separate, disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat, and frequently washing hands with soap, especially before eating or after using the toilet. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. With timely medical intervention, the prognosis for GBS can be positive, and most patients recover, although it may take months or even years. If you or someone you know begins to experience tingling sensations, weakness in the limbs, or other symptoms associated with GBS, it is crucial to seek immediate medical care.
The increasing cases of GBS in Pune highlight the importance of staying informed about this rare disorder and practicing preventive health measures. With adequate care and attention, the burden of GBS can be managed, allowing individuals to regain their health and independence.
