59 Diagnosed With Rare Brain Condition In Pune; What Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Pune: As many as 59 people have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, in Pune. And what’s of concern is that 12 of those patients are on ventilators.

The Maharashtra Health department has formed a team to investigate the sudden increase of GBS cases in the city.

“The total number of GBS cases increased to 59 on Wednesday, including 38 men and 21 women… 12 patients are currently on ventilator support,” a Health department official informed.

“It is prevalent in both paediatric and young-age groups. However, GBS will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic,” the official said. Most people recover fully from GBS with timely treatment, he added.

According to doctors, bacterial or viral infections generally lead to GBS since they weaken a person’s immunity.

More about GBS

GBS is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness, numbness or even paralysis.

It’s a rare condition, and the exact causes of it are still not known.

According to Mayo Clinic, a majority of people with GBS have had symptoms of an infection at least six weeks before GBS symptoms show up. It can be any respiratory illness or a gastrointestinal infection.

GBS symptoms include weakness, first experienced within in the feet and may move up the body to the legs, arms, face and breathing muscles.

Those who have it could find it difficult to walk up the stairs, or even just walking. Less common symptoms include weakness in the face and then, down the body.

According to US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the brain may receive abnormal sensory signals due to nerve damage caused by GBS.

Among other symptoms of GBS are difficulty with vision, difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing, prickly pain in hands and feet, pain gets severe at night, abnormal heart rate or blood pressure and problems with digestion or bladder control.

GBS is diagnosed by conducting a physical exam and reviewing medical history. A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) is done to measure the nerve’s ability to send a signal. Cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord may also be analysed.

Can GBS be prevented? 

GBS can’t be prevented but it’s important to reduce risk of infections that might trigger it:

* Wash hands often and maintain good hygiene.

* Avoid undercooked poultry and unpasteurised dairy.

* Drink safe, treated water.

* Stay up-to-date on vaccinations to protect against common infections.