1. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Affects Peripheral Nerves
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute illness that appears as increasing muscle weakness--sometimes leading to paralysis. Its symptoms may also include severe muscle spasms, numbness and "pins and needles." It is named after the French physicians who first identified it following WW I. It is a disease of the peripheral nerves that supply the arms and legs. It is relatively uncommon, occurring in about 1 in 100,000 people. Its pattern is one of ascending symptoms, beginning at the hands and feet and moving towards the body.
2. The Body Attacks Itself
GBS is caused by the body reacting against itself. The peripheral nerves are stripped of their insulation in a process called demyelinization. In general, this is the same abnormality that causes multiple sclerosis. Once a nerve loses its insulation, its myelin sheath, it loses its ability to conduct impulses. Without innervation, muscles become weak and atrophy. It is now possible to break GBS down into 4 subtypes, primarily on the basis of the types of antibodies that attack the myelin.
3. Cortisone Isn't an Effective Treatment for GBS
At one time, cortisone was thought to be an effective treatment for GBS. The feeling was that since cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory, its use might very well reduce the self-directed inflammation causing the problem. However, recent studies have suggested that cortisone has little effect on GBS in the long term.
4. Two Reasonably Effective Treatments Available
There are two effective treatments for GBS to lessen the immune response. The first involves a process known as plasmaphoresis. In this process, blood is filtered and the plasma is separated from the red and white blood cells. Then the antibodies responsible for the attack on myelin are removed from the plasma. The white and red blood cells are then returned to the body. The second form of treatment involves the injection of immunoglobulins to block the effect of the antibodies.
5. There Isn't a Magical Natural Cure
Unfortunately, as with any serious illnesses, a number of claims have been made regarding miraculous "natural" cures for GBS. None of these have ever been demonstrated to be of any value so Guillain-Barre Syndrome doesn't have any natural cure. Fortunately, anywhere between 70% and 80% of patients recover. All GBS patients require extensive physical and occupational therapy because of muscular wasting. If there is a natural miracle, it is the sweat of hard work on the patients' behalf as they rebuild their strength.
