Guillain Barré Syndrome

Guillain Barré syndrome can be a fatal condition as the muscles which control breathing can be affected.

In this article:

What is Guillain Barré syndrome?

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

How Chemist Online can help

Advice & Support

What is Guillain Barré syndrome?
Guillain Barré syndrome is a disease of the body’s nervous system (where the affected nerves of the limbs cause muscle weakness to develop).

Guillain Barré syndrome can affect people of any age. It is more common in women.

Symptoms
Symptoms of Guillain Barré syndrome include:

Progressive muscle weakness in the arms and legs

Paralysis in the legs (not in all cases, but often)

Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes

Difficulty swallowing

Breathing problems (a feeling of restricted breathing and/or breathlessness)

Blood pressure problems

Digestive problems

Lack of sweating

Vision problems

Note: Some people who develop Guillain Barré syndrome also develop deep vein thrombosis, due to becoming immobile.

Causes
Despite worldwide medical research, as yet the exact cause of Guillain Barré syndrome is unknown. However, analysis of patients has brought to light that the vast majority of sufferers who develop Guillain Barré syndrome do so after having a viral or bacterial infection which has then triggered an autoimmune reaction (where the body attacks itself).

Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms (particularly a tingling sensation or numbness in the fingers and toes, and progressive muscle weakness in the arms and legs) then arrange an appointment with your GP. Your medical history will be taken, and you will be asked some questions about your symptoms.

A confirmed diagnosis of Guillain Barré syndrome is usually confirmed after a lumbar puncture and electrodiagnostic tests (where electrical activity in the brain is analysed).

After confirmed diagnosis, an appropriate course of treatment will be recommended to you.

Treatment
After confirmed diagnosis, your GP will send you to hospital for the following treatment(s):

Immunoglobulin infusion – these injections accelerate recovery through the clearing of abnormal antibodies in your blood

Blood plasma exchange therapy (for a fresh supply of plasma). The official name of this therapy is plasmapheresis.

Physiotherapy – to relieve discomfort and improve mobility

Prescribed medication for nerve-related pain relief

How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have a range of treatments available to buy which can help promote better blood circulation.


www.chemistonline.co.uk


Advice & Support
Guillain Barré Syndrome Support Group
Tel: 0800 374 803
Website: www.gbs.org.uk

The Circulation Foundation
Tel: 020 7304 4779
Website: www.circulationfoundation.org.uk

Lifeblood – The Thrombosis Charity
Tel: 020 633 9937
Website: www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk


This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.






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