Guillain-Barr
syndrome
is an
acute
illness
which is
caused
by
inflammation
of
peripheral
nerves
leading
to loss
of
ensation,
muscle
weakness
and, in
more
serious
cases,
complete
paralysis
and
breathing
difficulty.
In
almost
eighty
per cent
of
children
these
symptoms
follow a
recent
illness
(usually
viral).
This
infection
is
thought
to
trigger
a faulty
response
in the
immune
system.
The
disease
varies
in speed
of onset
with
children
reaching
their
maximal
disability
over a
matter
of days
or, much
more
gradually
over a
period
of up to
four
weeks.
Initial
symptoms
consist
of
tingling,
numbness,
unsteadiness
and
progressive
weakness
usually
affecting
the feet
and then
the
hands
and
gradually
progressing
up the
limbs.
At the
height
of their
illness
about a
quarter
of
children
remain
able to
walk but
the
other
three
quarters
loose
their
mobility
and
about
sixteen
per cent
need to
be
artificially
ventilated
on an
intensive
care
unit.
The
diagnosis
of
Guillain-Barr
syndrome
is
confirmed
with a
combination
of
lumbar
puncture,
where a
high
protein
content
is
demonstrated
in the
cerebrospinal
fluid
and
nerve
conduction
studies,
which
show
slowing
of nerve
conduction
in the
nerve
roots
and/or
peripheral
nerves.
Recovery
usually
begins
in two
to three
weeks
and may
be
accompanied
by pain
and
tingling
in the
limbs.
Most
children
are able
to walk
unaided
by six
weeks
and most
are free
from
symptoms
by about
three
months.
Minorities
of
patients
have
some
residual
problems
but
these
children
are
usually
still
able to
walk
unaided.
The
condition
can
occur at
any age
but
there
appear
to be
peak
ages of
onset in
childhood
at four
years
and
twelve
years.
In
general
children
make a
much
better
recovery
than
adults.
In
Guillain-Barr
syndrome
the
body's
immune
system
attacks
part of
the
peripheral
nervous
system.
Usually
Guillain-Barr
occurs a
few days
or weeks
after
the
patient
has had
symptoms
of a
respiratory
or
gastrointestinal
viral
infection.
The
body's
immune
system
begins
to
attack
the body
itself,
causing
what is
known as
an
autoimmune
disease.
Currently,
plasmapheresis
and
high-dose
immunoglobulin
therapy
are
used.
Plasmapheresis
seems to
reduce
the
severity
and
duration
of the
Guillain-Barr
episode.
In
high-dose
immunoglobulin
therapy,
doctors
give
intravenous
injections
of the
proteins
that in
small
quantities,
the
immune
system
uses
naturally
to
attack
invading
organism.
Axonal
degeneration
occurs,
and
recovery
depends
on
axonal
regeneration.
In
severe
cases,
recovery
becomes
much
slower,
and
there is
a
greater
degree
of
residual
damage.
Recent
studies
on the
disease
have
demonstrated
that
approximately
80% of
the
patients
have
myline
loss,
whereas,
in the
remaining
20%,
there is
axon
loss.
Role
of
homeopathy:
It has
been
clinically
observed
that
homeopathy
helps
cases of
GB
Syndrome.
It seems
to help
by
correcting
the
altered
immune
system.
The
medicines
are very
effective
in
treating
the
residual
symptoms
of
Guillain-Barr
syndrome.
Muscle
weakness
and
power in
the
limbs
can be
corrected.
In the
acute
stage,
in cases
of
danger
of
respiratory
paralysis,
allopathic
medicines
have an
advantage,
but for
the
residual
neuro-muscular
symptoms,
Homeopathic
medicines
are
highly
effective
and
strongly
recommended.. |
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