Private Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Treatment

Need to know

• Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome icon plus

  Symptoms start in the extremities - the hands and feet are first affected, then the legs.
  The first symptoms are:

  • numbness
  • pins and needles
  • muscle weakness
  • pain
  • loss of balance and co-ordination

  These symptoms may worsen over the next few days or weeks (usually peaking at four weeks). They may include:

  • difficulty walking
  • paralysis of the face, arms or legs
  • breathing difficulties
  • blurred vision
  • difficulty speaking
  • problems swallowing

  If you have these symptoms, it's a medical emergency. Ring 999 and go straight to accident and emergency (A&E).

• Diagnosis icon plus

  A consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They will also check your muscle reflexes and check for numbness in your hands, feet or limbs.
  If they think you may have Guillan-Barré syndrome, your consultant may order the following tests:

  • Electromyography (EMG). Here, needles are placed into your muscles. When nearby nerves are activated, electrical recordings show how your muscles react.
  • Lumbar puncture. fluid is taken from around the spinal cord in the lower back. The sample is checked for problems which cause similar symptoms to Guillain-Barré syndrome, such as an infection.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). This is where donated blood containing healthy antibodies is injected into a vein. The healthy antibodies stop the harmful antibodies being produced by your immune system from damaging your nerves. It's given once a day for around five days.
  • Plasma exchange. Blood is removed from your body via a machine. This filters out harmful antibodies and returns the blood to your body.

  A full recovery programme in neuro rehab may be needed to treat long-term problems. This may include speech and language therapy, occupational health therapy, and physiotherapy.