What is GBS?
Unveiling the 15 Mysteries & Surprising Facts of
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Insight & Analysis
Peru declares health emergency over Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a
rare and perplexing neurological disorder
that affects the peripheral nervous system
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In 2019, there were
150,095
cases of GBS globally, with an age-standardised
point prevalence of
1.9 per 100,000
population
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GBS affects individuals of all
ages, genders,
and
ethnic backgrounds
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The exact cause of GBS remains unknown, making it a challenging condition to
diagnose and treat
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GBS typically starts with
weakness and tingling sensations in the legs
, which can rapidly progress to paralysis
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The syndrome is characterized by ascending
muscle weakness
, starting from the legs and moving upwards
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Although rare, GBS can result in long-term complications such as
muscle weakness, fatigue,
and
difficulty walking
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Plasmapheresis
and
intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
therapy are commonly used treatments for GBS
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The recovery process from GBS can be slow and vary from
weeks to months or even years
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GBS patients often require
extensive rehabilitation
to regain strength and motor skills
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It is crucial to seek immediate
medical attention
if experiencing symptoms suggestive of GBS, as early intervention can i
mprove outcomes
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GBS is
not contagious
and cannot be spread from person to person
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Despite its rarity, GBS is one of the leading causes of
acute neuromuscular paralysis
worldwide
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Research is ongoing to understand the
mechanisms behind GBS
and develop more effective treatments
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In severe cases, GBS can lead to
complete paralysis
and affect vital functions like breathing and swallowing
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In severe cases, GBS can lead to
complete paralysis
and affect vital functions like breathing and swallowing