Cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome identified in Pune: Know the signs

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has hit Pune city as 26 cases have come to the fore. Three major hospitals in the city have alerted health authorities about the rising cases of GBS. The patients are mainly from Sinhagad Road, Dhayari and surrounding localities, doctors have told the media.

What is Guillain Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare

neurological disorder

in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This condition can lead to weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Although GBS can affect anyone, its exact cause remains unknown.
Recovery times vary, with most individuals improving within weeks to months. About 80% recover fully, while 15% may have residual weakness, and 5% face severe complications. Early intervention and rehabilitation significantly enhance outcomes.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The symptoms of GBS usually appear suddenly and can progress rapidly over days or weeks. Common symptoms include weakness and tingling which often starts in the legs and may spread to the arms and face. People also experience difficulty in walking which can affect mobility and balance. It also causes neuropathic pain which is seen in the back and limbs. Autonomic dysfunction like irregular heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and difficulty breathing in severe cases. In extreme cases, GBS can cause total paralysis, requiring mechanical ventilation.

What causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

The most common triggers include bacterial infections such as Campylobacter jejuni (found in undercooked poultry) and viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, or Zika virus. These infections can provoke an immune response that mistakenly targets peripheral nerves.
In rare instances, certain vaccines, such as those for influenza or tetanus, have been associated with the onset of GBS. However, the overall risk remains extremely low compared to the benefits of vaccination.
Never seen such a spike
“I have never seen such a spike in GBS cases, not even during the Covid pandemic,” said senior neurologist Dr Sudhir Kothari, of Poona Hospital, which has five of the 26 cases, told TOI. “Large hospitals typically report one or two GBS cases a month so 26 in a week is a high number. This cluster has to be investigated,” Dr Kothari added.