سندرم گیلن باره (GBS) یک اختلال عصبی نادر است که در آن سیستم ایمنی بدن به اشتباه سیستم عصبی محیطی را هدف قرار می دهد. این شبکه اعصاب به عنوان یک پیام رسان عمل می کند و سیگنال هایی را از مغز و نخاع به تمام قسمت های بدن می رساند و به ما امکان حرکت، احساس و حفظ عملکردهای حیاتی را می دهد. در GBS، سیستم ایمنی به غلاف میلین حمله می کند، یک لایه چربی که این اعصاب را عایق می کند و به آنها کمک می کند تا سیگنال ها را به طور موثر منتقل کنند. این آسیب ارتباط بین مغز و بدن را مختل می کند و منجر به ضعف پیشرونده عضلانی، گزگز و حتی در برخی موارد فلج می شود.

علائم سندرم گیلن باره

علائم GBS معمولاً به سرعت ایجاد می شود و اغلب در عرض چند هفته به اوج خود می رسد. در اینجا به تفکیک علائم رایجی که باید مراقب آنها باشید اشاره شده است:

ضعف عضلانی: این علامت مشخصه است که معمولاً از پاها شروع می شود و به سمت بالا به سمت بازوها و بالاتنه گسترش می یابد. It can range from mild weakness to complete paralysis.

Pinging and Numbness: Often described as a tingling or pins-and-needles sensation that initially affects the hands and feet and potentially progresses upward.

Loss of reflexes: As nerves are damaged, reflexes such as flicking the ankle are reduced or disappear entirely.

Facial weakness: Difficulty smiling, frowning, or controlling facial expressions may occur.

Difficulty swallowing and speaking: When the muscles involved in swallowing and speaking are affected, these actions become difficult and challenging.

Pain: GBS can cause sharp, throbbing pain, especially at night. There may also be a burning sensation or pain.

Fatigue: Muscle weakness and the body's fight against an immune attack can lead to extreme fatigue.

Respiratory problems: In severe cases, the muscles responsible for breathing may be affected, requiring ventilator support.

The progression of GBS can vary significantly. Some people experience a rapid onset of symptoms that peak within days, while others progress gradually over weeks. Its severity also varies, some people experience mild weakness and others progress to complete paralysis.

causes and risk factors

The exact reason why the immune system attacks the nerves in GBS remains unknown. However, researchers believe that a triggering event often precedes the development of the syndrome. These triggers can include the following:

• Bacterial infections: Campylobacter infection, usually associated with food poisoning, is the most common cause of the former. Other bacterial infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are also associated with GBS.
• Viral infections: Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, the culprits behind CMV and mono, respectively, can sometimes trigger GBS.
• Surgical procedures: Rarely, surgery can act as a trigger for GBS.
• Vaccination: While very rare, some vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, have been linked to GBS in isolated cases. The benefits of these vaccinations far outweigh the minimal risk of GBS.

It is important to note that experiencing a triggering event does not guarantee the development of GBS. The exact mechanism by which these events lead to immune dysfunction in GBS is still under investigation.

There is no single definitive test for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Doctors usually rely on a combination of factors to make a diagnosis, including:

• Medical history: A detailed description of symptoms, including their onset and progression, is very important.
• Physical examination: examination of muscle weakness, reflexes and sensory abnormalities helps to evaluate the functioning of the nervous system.
• Spinal Tap: This method involves collecting a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spinal cord. Analysis of protein and cell content in CSF can indicate GBS.
• Electronic diagnostic tests: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles and help identify patterns of nerve damage consistent with GBS.

Early diagnosis is essential for quick treatment and prevention of possible complications.

Treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome

There is no cure for GBS, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms, minimizing nerve damage, and speeding recovery. The two main approaches are:

Plasma Exchange (PLEX): This process removes antibodies and other harmful substances from the blood, essentially "resetting" the immune system.
Immunoglobulin therapy (IGIV): This involves administering high doses of healthy antibodies to help regulate the immune system's response.

Supportive care is also critical, including:

• Pain management: Medications and physical therapy can help reduce pain associated with GBS.
• Physiotherapy: Regular physical therapy sessions can help maintain muscle strength and prevent complications such as contractures. Our specialists at Nagarestan Physiotherapy Clinic In Mashhad, they offer specialized physiotherapy services for the rehabilitation of Guillain Barre syndrome sufferers.
• Respiratory support: In severe cases where breathing is affected, a ventilator may be needed to support breathing until the muscle helps.