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In Pune, a total of 59 people have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder. About 12 of the 59 people are on ventilators. The Maharashtra Health Department has formed a team to investigate the surge in cases in the city. “The total number of GBS cases rose to 59 on Wednesday, of which 38 were men and 21 were women. 12 patients are currently on ventilators,” the health official said. Bacterial and viral infections usually cause GBS because they weaken a person's immune system, doctors say. Although the disease is common in both children and young adults, GBS does not cause an epidemic or pandemic, the official said, adding that most people recover from the disease with treatment. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, causing weakness, numbness and even paralysis.
Not only is GBS rare, its exact cause is still unknown. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome experience infection symptoms at least six weeks before GBS symptoms appear. These infections include respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal infections. Symptoms of GBS include weakness that initially occurs in the legs and can later spread to the legs, arms, face, and respiratory muscles. Climbing stairs or just walking can be difficult. Other less common symptoms include facial weakness followed by body weakness. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, nerve damage from GBS can cause the brain to receive abnormal sensory signals.
Other symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include decreased vision, difficulty in swallowing, speaking or chewing, tingling in hands and feet, increased pain at night, abnormal heart rate or blood pressure, and problems with digestion or bladder control, etc. This condition is diagnosed by examining the Medical history and conducting a physical examination diagnosed. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test is performed to measure the ability of nerves to send signals. Doctors may also analyze the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. There is currently no cure for GBS. Some treatments can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
