Guillain-Barre Syndrome On Rise In Pune: What You Need To Know About This Rare Nerve Disorder

Pune reported eight suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome on Thursday, taking the count to 67, according to the state health department. A Rapid Response Team (RRT) is currently investigating the sudden rise in this infection. "The total number of GBS cases increased to 67, comprising 43 and 24 women. Of these, 13 are on ventilator support," said Pune Municipal Corporation assistant health officer Dr Vaishali Jadhav on Thursday.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare immunological nerve disorder that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks the nerves.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Weakness and tingling in feet and legs are the first symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This sensation then spreads to the upper body and arms. Other symptoms include:

• Unsteady walking
• Difficulty in climbing stairs
• Double vision
• Rapid heart rate
• Severe cramping
• Pins and needles feeling in fingers, toes, ankles and wrists
• Low blood pressure

In Guillain-Barre Syndrome, muscle weakness can also turn into paralysis.

What are the causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is still unknown. Its symptoms usually become prominent after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. However, a few factors including bacterial or viral infection, recent vaccination, surgery and neuropathy can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome contagious?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not contagious or inherited. The exact cause is still unknown. This autoimmune condition can affect people at any age, but it commonly affects people between 30 and 50.

Causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome spike in Pune

RRTs in Pune are surveying homes in affected areas, collecting water samples and interviewing residents. Water contamination has been identified as a potential cause of spike.

Complications of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Nerves control your movements and body functions and Guillain-Barre syndrome affects your nerves. Therefore, people with Guillain-Barre syndrome may experience trouble breathing, heart-related issues, pain, blood clots and impaired bowel or bladder function.

A small percentage of people with Guillain-Barre syndrome have a relapse.

Treatment

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is potentially life-threatening and there is no known cure for this condition. After diagnosis, patients require immediate treatment and hospitalisation. Patients with breathing difficulty require ventilator support. Given the autoimmune nature of the disease, its acute phase is typically treated with immunotherapy, such as plasma exchange.

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