Treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome

This immune system of ours is a specialised defense that when healthy, identifies and destroys disease-causing invaders. The immune system protects the body from disease by destroying any health damaging agents. Certainly when it it healthy it is a powerful protector, so it can be disconcerting when you discover that Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder where the immune system actually attacks your nerves.

All Age Groups are Vulnerable

The thing with Guillain-Barre is that it can affect all age groups, however you are at more risk if you are an older male. The syndrome can be triggered by the likes of the influenza virus, surgery, bacteria from eating under-cooked poultry, HIV, mycoplasma pneumonia and others.

If you suspect you have this disorder, you would be wise to see your doctor who will want a medical history before giving you a thorough physical examination.

To commence with Guillain Barre syndrome treatment, the doctor will do either a:

• Lumbar puncture: where a small amount of fluid is taken from the spinal canal and tested.
• Nerve conduction studies: electrodes are taped to the skin around the nerves after which a shock is passed through the nerves to measure nerve signals. Electromyography: needle electrodes are inserted into certain muscles so as to measure nerve activity in the muscles. The doctor will want to start with Guillain Barre syndrome treatment as soon as possible to reduce the severity of the illness.

This can be a:

• Plasma exchange: plasma is removed and separated from your blood cells. The blood cells are put back into your body to make more plasma. The idea is to rid the plasma of antibodies which are contributing to the immune system's attack on the peripheral nerves.
• Immunoglobulin therapy: healthy antibodies are given through a vein which can block the damaging antibodies that contribute to Guillain-Barre.
• The condition can be treated naturally with herbal remedies: Country Mallow is an ancient remedy that has been used by Ayurvedists for centuries.
• Massage is critical for patients because the application of pressure and the use of circular motions improves blood circulation, stimulates the nerve endings and strengthens the nervous system.
• Eat balanced and nutritious meals rich in minerals, vitamins and fatty acids.

Recognising the Symptoms of Guillain Barre Syndrome

You'll start to recognise this illness when you get weakness and tingling in your feet and legs, weakness in the legs, difficulty with breathing, rapid heart rate and difficulty with bladder control. Left untreated, can spread and then paralyze the entire body. Sometimes this condition is regarded as a medical emergency and then the patient needs to be hospitalised.

You want to start treatment quickly because damage to the nerves can prevent the nerves from transmitting signals to your brain, and this is what causes this weakness or paralysis. Most sufferers can recover from the syndrome, while many people are left with ongoing fatigue, numbness and weakness. The sooner treatment is started, the better your chances of a good outcome.

Fortunately, GuillainBarre only affects about 1 in every 100,000 patients, and with the correct help, may not get the cure you want, but you can make your life far more brighter and more comfortable.