Guillain-Barré syndrome causes
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]
Overview
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, autoimmune, polyradiculoneuropathy affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is included in the wider group of peripheral neuropathies. There are several types of GBS, but unless otherwise stated, GBS refers to the most common form, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment of plasmapheresis followed by immunoglobulins and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity. However, death may occur if severe pulmonary complications and dysautonomia are present.
Causes
- The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown.
- While it is not fully known what causes GBS, it is known that about two-thirds of people who get GBS do so several days or weeks after they have been sick with diarrhea or a lung or sinus illness. Usually, signs of the original infection have disappeared before the symptoms of Guillain-Barre begin.
- An infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which can cause diarrhea, is one of the most common illnesses linked to GBS.
- Except for the swine flu vaccine used in 1976, no other flu vaccines have been clearly linked to GBS.
- Although rare, people can also get GBS after having the flu or other infections such as Epstein Barr virus, AIDS, Herpes simplex, and Mononucleosis
- It may also occur with other medical conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus or Hodgkin's disease. A similar syndrome may occur after surgery, or when critically ill.