What is Guillain Barre Syndrome?
Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological condition where the body’s immune cells attack the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the spinal cord and brain) causing numbness, pain and weakness.
Common signs & symptoms of Guillain Barre Syndrome?
Guillain Barre Syndrome can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Its symptoms often appear following a viral or bacterial infection. It can range from very mild weakness to devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe independently.
For example, you can experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling, reflex loss, walking difficulty, pain, coordination problems, facial weakness, breathing issues, bladder/bowel dysfunction and rare heart rate changes.
How does Guillain Barre Syndrome affect the body?
The Syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, leading to inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of nerve fibres. This damage disrupts the normal function of the nerves and can result in a variety of symptoms that affect the body in several ways:
Muscle Weakness: GBS typically starts with weakness and tingling in the legs, which can then progress to the arms and other parts of the body. This weakness can range from mild to severe and may lead to muscle paralysis.
Sensory Symptoms: People with GBS may experience numbness, tingling, and abnormal sensations in the affected limbs.
Loss of Reflexes: Reflexes: Such as the knee-jerk reflex, may be diminished or absent in individuals with GBS due to nerve damage.
Pain: Some individuals with GBS may experience pain, often described as a deep aching or cramping pain in the muscles.
Autonomic Dysfunction: GBS can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and other bodily functions. This may result in symptoms such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, and difficulty with bowel and bladder control.
Breathing Difficulties: In severe cases, GBS can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, leading to respiratory distress. This is a medical emergency and may require mechanical ventilation.
How can we help?
Our team of Physiotherapists specialise in rehabilitation and support to manage the physical and functional challenges associated with Guillain Barre Syndrome.
We will assess and evaluate the patient’s physical condition, including the extent of muscle weakness, loss of function, and any other mobility issues. This assessment helps determine the specific needs and goals for rehabilitation. We will also create a individualised treatment plan, tailored to the individual’s unique needs and goals. The plan may include a combination of exercises and therapeutic interventions.
Other techniques will include strengthening and mobility exercises, balance and coordination training, gait training, pain management, breathing exercises, functional activities and finally education and support.
Benefits of physiotherapy on Guillain Barre Syndrome
There are lots of benefits to using physiotherapy to treat Guillain Barre Syndrome. Some of the key advantages include:
- Pain management
- Muscle strengthening
- Improved mobility
- Respiratory support
- Balance and coordination
- Enhanced independence
- Emotional support
- Improved quality of life
We understand that the prospect of treatment can be daunting. To help make your experience as comfortable and as stress-free as possible, our team of therapists will work with you to create a bespoke therapy plan. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Call 01282 222720 or email info@letsgophysio.co.uk.
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Office 3
Northlight Estate
Northlight Parade
Nelson
BB9 5EG
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