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Imagine waking up with a slight tingling in the feet, only to find ourselves completely paralyzed within days. This is the terrifying reality of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious neurological disorder that has affected a total of 211 people in Maharashtra. Shweta, a beauty expert, experienced this firsthand. She went from feeling a tingling sensation in her feet to a complete paralytic attack in just three days. Her journey can help people better understand the early symptoms, progression, and treatment of GBS—something everyone should be aware of.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune illness in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerve system. This system controls muscular contractions, reflexes, and sensations. Although the actual origin is unknown, illnesses, surgery, or vaccines are common triggers. GBS can cause muscle weakness or paralysis, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
Representative image
The first warning signs of GBS
According to Shweta, her first symptom was a tingling sensation in her feet. Soon after, she experienced numbness, which gradually spread to her legs. Some of the most common early symptoms include:
- Tingling or weakness in the legs
- Abnormal walking or difficulty moving the legs
- Loss of reflexes
- Mild pain or aching in the legs
These signs are dismissed as minor discomfort, but they can be the first indicators of GBS.
How symptoms progress rapidly
GBS can worsen quickly, sometimes within hours. For Shweta, the symptoms escalated within three days:
- The numbness moved from her legs to her upper body.
- She started experiencing speech difficulties and slurred words.
- Breathing problems made it difficult for her to take deep breaths.
- Her blood pressure spiked, making her feel dizzy and weak.
- She eventually lost control over her muscles, leading to complete paralysis.
A user in the comments sections shared her ordeal “My daughter is also a GBS survivor. She has suffered it twice within a gap of two years. She was given IVIG treatment and she recovered but the paralysis was 100%, even on eyelids. That was extremely painful period. Symptoms started in Feb and peak of disease came in May. She is perfectly fine now. She suffered in 2018 and 2020, then thus disease was rarest.”
Why is GBS so dangerous
The primary risk of GBS is its rapid growth. If the paralysis spreads to the chest muscles, it can lead to respiratory failure and the need for a ventilator to breathe. In severe situations, GBS can impair heart function and blood pressure, resulting in life-threatening consequences.
The good news is that most people recover with appropriate medical care. The most important part is to recognise the symptoms early and get quick treatment.
How GBS is treated
There is no direct cure for GBS, but some treatments can speed up recovery and prevent complications:
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): This helps stop the immune system from attacking the nerves.
- Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This process removes harmful antibodies from the blood.
- Blood Transfusions: In severe cases, patients may require a transfusion to stabilize their condition.
Recovery from GBS is slow and can take weeks to months. In Shweta’s case, she spent 4 months in the ICU before starting to regain movement. Many comments in her video give us an idea that the hospitalization phase can vary from person to person. Rehabilitation plays an important role, including:
- Physiotherapy to strengthen weak muscles.
- Speech therapy for those who experience communication difficulties.
- Breathing exercises to restore lung function.
“For Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), it’s important to understand that it is an autoimmune condition and not directly caused by specific foods. However, during the illness, proper nutrition is crucial for recovery. When someone has GBS, they should focus on eating nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods since swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are common. A diet high in protein helps support nerve repair and muscle strength. Soft, well-cooked foods are recommended if swallowing is difficult. Foods rich in vitamins C, D, E, and B12 may support nerve health and immune function. Patients should ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. While there’s no specific diet that prevents GBS, maintaining good food safety practices is important since GBS can sometimes be triggered by gastrointestinal infections. This includes thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, properly cooking meats, avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, and practicing proper food handling and storage. However, for specific dietary recommendations, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider as individual needs may vary based on severity and stage of the condition,” Dr Amita Kaul – HOD & Senior Consultant Pediatrics & Neonatology, Surya Hospitals.
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