While there is as yet no known cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, there are a few treatments that can help to ease the symptoms and reduce the illness’s duration. Most people can recover from Guillain-Barré syndrome, however, some patients may experience a few lingering effects. These can be fatigue, weakness, or numbness. Learn how you can spot the signs and the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome and when to call our GP Home Doctor for Guillain-Barre syndrome in Costa del Sol.
What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder that involves your immune system attacking your nerves. Tingling and a weakness in your extremities tend the be the first signs.
These sensations can spread quite quickly and they can even paralyse the entire body. When this disorder is at its most severe, it is a medical emergency. Most patients will need to be hospitalised so they can receive the treatment they need.
Our GP Home Doctor for Guillain-Barre syndrome in Costa del Sol explains that it is still not clear what causes Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, many patients often have stomach flu or an infectious illness beforehand.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Beginning with a tingling and weakness that starts in the legs and feet, the disorder can spread to the arms and upper body. Approximately half of those with this disorder have symptoms that start in the face or arms.
Our GP Home Doctor for Guillain-Barre syndrome in Costa del Sol has listed signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty with bowel or bladder function
- Difficulty with facial or eye movements. These can include swallowing, chewing, or speaking
- Low or high blood pressure
- Pins and needle or prickling in the wrists, ankles, fingers, or toes
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe pain that can feel like cramp or quite achy, it might be worse during the night
- Unsteady walking or an inability climb stairs or walk
- Weakness in the legs that can spread to the upper body
Those who have Guillain-Barré syndrome tend to experience the most significant weakness within 2-4 weeks after symptoms first begin.
Types of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome is known to occur in several forms. The main types of this disorder are:
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy - this is the most common form. Symptoms can be muscle weakness that starts in the lower body and spreads upwards.
Miller Fisher syndrome – symptoms can include eye paralysis and an unsteady gait.
Acute motor axonal neuropathy and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy are not very common in this part of the world, rather, they are more common in Mexico, Japan, and China.
When To call our GP Home Doctor for Guillain-Barre syndrome in Costa del Sol
Call our GP Home Doctor for Guillain-Barre syndrome in Costa del Sol if you have mild tingling in your fingers or toes that isn’t getting worse or does not seem to be spreading.
Please seek emergency medical help calling our GP Home Doctor for Guillain-Barre syndrome in Costa del Sol if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Tingling that began in your toes or feet and is moving up your body
- Tingling or weakness that is spreading rapidly
- Shortness of breath or difficulty getting your breath when you are lying flat
- Choking on your saliva
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a serious condition that requires immediate hospitalization as it can quickly become a lot worse. The sooner the right treatment begins, the better the chance of a positive outcome.