Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease that has serious effects on the nervous system. This syndrome is characterized by damage to the nerves by the body’s immune system, which can lead to weakness, lethargy, and even paralysis. Guillain-Barre Syndrome can affect any age group and can progress rapidly. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about the definition, causes and symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that communicate with the rest of the body, depending on the central nervous system. GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages these nerves. This leads to muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, lethargy and reduced mobility. Rapid progression of Guillain-Barre Syndrome may cause patients to become unable to walk within a few days and in some cases require respiratory support.

What Causes Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is unknown. However, most cases of GBS are thought to be related to infections. These infections include bacterial infections (eg Campylobacter jejuni), viral infections (eg Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus) and even some vaccines. These infections can trigger a response that can cause the immune system to become hyperactive and damage nerves. It is also thought that certain genetic factors may increase the risk of GBS.

What Are the Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

The symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome can vary from patient to patient, but they usually include the following symptoms;

• Numbness and tingling,
• Muscle weakness,
• Reflex loss,
• Coordination problems,
• Pain and cramps,
• Respiratory problems,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Blood pressure and heartbeat changes

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a disease that progresses rapidly and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, the quality of life of patients and the chance of recovery can be increased with early diagnosis of their symptoms and appropriate treatment.

How is Guillain-Barre Syndrome Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of GBS is made by patients’ symptoms, physical examination findings, and some laboratory tests.

First, the patient’s symptoms are evaluated. GBS typically presents with weakness and tingling that begins in the hands and feet. These symptoms can spread quickly and lead to muscle weakness. Also, some patients may experience difficulty swallowing, vision problems, and breathing problems.

During the physical exam, the doctor usually checks the patient’s reflexes and muscle strength. In GBS patients, reflexes may be weak or absent and muscle strength may be decreased.

Laboratory tests also play an important role in the diagnosis of GBS. These tests may include:

Electromyography (EMG); This test measures how the muscles respond to electrical impulses. In GBS patients, the nerve conduction velocity is usually slow and can be detected with this test.

Nerve conduction studies; These tests measure how quickly nerves respond to electrical impulses. In GBS patients, the nerve conduction velocity may be slow.

Lumbar puncture (Cerebral spinal fluid analysis); During this procedure, the doctor takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid with a needle from the lumbar region. In GBS patients, protein levels may be high in this fluid.

The diagnosis of GBS is made based on the results of these tests and the patient’s symptoms. However, it can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages of GBS, and in some cases, it may take time to fully diagnose the disease.

How Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome Treated?

Although there is no definitive cure for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, there are some treatment options to reduce the severity of the disease and prevent complications. GBS treatment is usually carried out in the hospital and the following methods can be used;

Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis); During this procedure, the patient’s blood is taken and the liquid part called plasma is cleaned. The cleaned plasma is then given back to the patient. This treatment helps remove harmful antibodies caused by GBS from the blood.

Immunoglobulin therapy; This treatment includes a high dose of immunoglobulin, which contains disease-fighting antibodies produced by the immune system. Immunoglobulin therapy can help strengthen the immune system of GBS patients and reduce the severity of the disease.

Supportive treatments; Supportive treatments for GBS patients are geared towards preventing and treating complications such as breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, and feeding problems. These treatments may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy.

What Are the Complications of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome can lead to serious complications in some cases. These complications may include;

• Respiratory Failure,
• Heart and blood pressure problems,
• Deep vein thrombosis,
• Swallowing and feeding problems,
• Nerve damage and permanent weakness

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Regarding Guillain-Barre Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.

Prof. Dr. Ergün Dağlıoğlu

Prof.Dr. Ergün Dağlıoğlu (Eğitim Görevlisi), Beyin Cerrahı, Beyin Ve Sinir Cerrahisi

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