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Often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or stomach flu.
nerves
A rare disease that affects the nerves and causes strength loss and numbness.
The disease is more common in Curacao.
Symptoms
Arms and legs
Loss of strength in legs and later arms, inability to walk
Paralysis
Days
Progressive within days
Breathing
Problems breathing
Pain
Back- and/or muscle pain, sensation disturbances (numbness or pain)
Cause
Bacterial or viral infection.
Preceded by diarrhea of sore throat.
Normally the body attacks the bacteria or virus during an infection. In Guillain barre patients however, the body also attacks its own nerves. This causes the nerves to get damaged causing severe symptoms.
Diagnosis
Patients history
Findings at examination
EMG (nerve test)
Sometimes Lumbar puncture (spinal fluid tap)
Treatment
- Medicine Immunoglobulins
- Pain medication
- Admission on Intensive care needed
Prognosis
Prognosis varies. Recovery is not always complete and could take years.
Want to know more about Guillain barre syndrome? Well, make sure to visit our friends from the mayoclinic!
