Guillan-Barre Syndrome is a serious autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system. The nerves in your peripheral nervous system connects the brain to the rest of the body and transmit signals to the muscles. The syndrome will affect signals to be carry on the muscles which leads to dysfunction. This rare disease can lead to weakness, numbness and even paralysis. The definite cause of this syndrome is unknown, however, several conditions are linked to the formation of this disease, including:
- Campylobacter Jejuni Infection – Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea.
- Influenza
- Cytomegalovirus, which is a strain of the herpes virus
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infection, or Mononucleosis
- Mycoplasma Pneumonia, which is an atypical pneumonia caused by bacteria-like organisms
- HIV or AIDS
Older adults and men are more likely to develop this condition. There is no cure to Guillain-Barré syndrome, treatments may involve reducing symptoms and complications.
