Font size:
Print
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Context:
A rare neurological disorder, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), has been reported in Pune, Maharashtra.
About Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and potential paralysis.
- How It Affects the Body
-
- The myelin sheath, a fatty layer surrounding nerve cells, is destroyed, affecting the transmission of nerve signals.
- This results in muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Signs and Symptoms
-
- Early Signs:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the toes, fingers, ankles, or wrists.
- Weakness starting in the legs, spreading to the arms and upper body.
- Progressive Symptoms:
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
- Back pain and pain in the legs.
- Trouble with facial movements and double vision.
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing in severe cases.
- Severe Complications:
- Paralysis of the legs, arms, or face.
- Respiratory failure due to affected chest muscles.
- Autonomic dysfunction, leading to abnormal blood pressure and heart rate.
- Early Signs:
- Diagnosis and Treatment
-
- Diagnosis:
- Clinical evaluation of symptoms.
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function.
- Lumbar puncture to check cerebrospinal fluid.
- Treatment:
- Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): Removes antibodies attacking the nerves by treating the blood plasma.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): Neutralizes harmful antibodies with proteins from healthy donors.
- Supportive care includes physical and occupational therapy. Intensive care for patients with severe respiratory or autonomic complications.
- Diagnosis:
- Precautions to Prevent GBS
-
- Hygiene Practices: Prevent infections, especially those causing gastroenteritis, by maintaining good hygiene.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Early Medical Attention: Seek immediate care for symptoms like sudden muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or facial paralysis.
WHO Guidelines and Actions
- Surveillance: Monitoring triggers like Campylobacter jejuni and Zika virus.
- Management: Providing guidelines and training health systems for effective GBS management.
- Research: Defining research priorities to better understand and treat GBS.
- Global Action Plan: Addressing neurological disorders like GBS through intersectoral collaboration.
Steps Taken by Government Authorities
- Resource Mobilisation: Deployment of drugs, hospital beds, and manpower to handle the surge.
- Sensitisation Programs: Awareness campaigns by state health authorities and BMC to educate healthcare providers and the public.
- Epidemiological Studies: Investigations by central and state teams to determine the outbreak’s cause and implement preventive measures.
- Central Team Deployment: The Union Health Ministry has deputed a high-level multidisciplinary team to Pune, comprising experts from:
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru
- Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare
- National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune
- State-Level Interventions:
- The Maharashtra government has allocated drugs, hospital beds, and manpower to manage cases.
- Sensitisation programs have been initiated by the state authorities and the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Public health interventions and epidemiological studies are underway to identify the cause of the surge.
