Guillain-Barré Syndrome

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What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to involuntarily attack the peripheral nerves. As a result, the condition affects the health of the muscles, making them weaker and less efficient. In general, Guillain-Barré Syndrome can be seen as a condition in which the person experiences diminishing neuropathy and escalating weakness. The sensation of tingles and feeling weak consistently are usually the first signs that people tend to notice. It can often lead to loss of reflexes, numbness of certain bodily functions, and can also evolve, paralyzing the entire body. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is often seen as a collection of clinical syndromes that progress into acute inflammatory of the peripheral nerves. The myelin sheath is an insulating layer around the nerve that allows electrical impulses to transmit to the nerve cells. When the conditions of Guillain-Barré Syndrome progress, they can destruct the sheath, further damaging the nerves. Guillain-Barré Syndrome can be identified as Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), or acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN).

Signs Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Tingling sensations are the most apparent sign for Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The tingles usually start in areas like the feet and legs, but can spread to other areas of the body. Feeling consistently weak is another noticeable symptom of the syndrome. The other signs of Guillain-Barré Syndrome aren’t always detectable, as they can appear to be similar symptoms of other conditions. The syndrome can quickly progress, causing the symptoms to be more apparent and relentless. The other signs and symptoms associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome include things that affect your respiratory health and motor skills.

Prickling or tingle sensation (commonly in the feet, legs, hands, ankles and wrist)
Muscle weakness (legs and arms predominantly)
Respiratory issues (shortness in breathes or breathing issues)
Difficulty with oral skills (talking, chewing or swallowing)
Back Pain
Complications with movement in the face
Loss or decline in reflex
Eye Muscle weakness
Double or blurred vision
Increased heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Blood pressure issues (high or low)
Nerve Pain

What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is another autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system involuntarily attacks itself, leaving the cause for Guillain-Barré Syndrome unknown. It’s often hard to detect as it’s based on a collection of symptoms, what the patient feels, and the signs that can be observed or measured. Based on the history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the potential cause has been narrowed down to viral infections, immunization, or surgery. All of the potential causes involve relentless viruses or bacteria’s that are harsh on the immune system.

Infection from Campylobacter (bacteria commonly found in undercooked poultry)
Influenza Virus (“the Flue” viral infection that attacks the respiratory system)
Vaccinations (some from childhood or influenza vaccinations also known as a Flu Shot)
HIV virus
Certain surgical procedures
Hepatitis E Virus
Mycoplasma pneumonia (infection of the lungs caused by bacteria)
Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system that poses a threat on the immune system)
Epstein-Barr virus (form of the herpes virus)

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

As always, a dietary change can make a difference and assist with any health ailment. It’s important to give your body a break from the things it’s accustom to and only give it what it needs to heal itself. It’s best to avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. These things are known to stimulate nerve issues and can decrease the strength of your muscles. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, brazil nuts, and even green tea help assist with nerve and muscle issues. Magnesium and Potassium are essential when it comes to repairing issues involving the nerves and addressing muscle weakness. Consuming foods high in both nutrients can assist with the symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Consuming half your body weight in ounces of water helps hydrate the body and, for Guillain-Barré Syndrome, this can help bring relief from muscle issues.
Getting a good amount of rest on a daily basis consistently helps repair the body. Sleeping helps your body form new pathways, the routes formed by a chain of nerve cells that are responsible for.
Massages has been known to help rehabilitate the muscles. In relation to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, it can help reduce atrophy of muscles, increase circulation, and provide pain relief. The massages should be focused on the limbs.
Any type of physical therapy can help recondition the way our muscles function and the ability to use them. To help recover from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, it’s important to repair what’s damaged. Regularly attending physical therapy sessions can help a person work on his/her impairments and the disabilities the syndrome may present. Exercises that address upper and lower extremities can help the muscles regain their strength. Hydrotherapy is one the best types of physical therapy. It involves doing exercises in specific temperatures of water, using the water’s energy and therapeutic properties to help heal and recover lost functions of the body.
Acupuncture is always a great natural remedy for conditions related to the nerves. Acupuncture addresses the pressure points of nerves, helping to steer and promote nerve activity. By stimulating the nerves, you can help repair the damage that Guillain-Barré Syndrome can present. Acupressure, similar to acupuncture, targets your energy points, also helps to relieve pain, reduce tension in muscles, and promote relaxation.
Making an effort to take hot baths can help assist with muscle issues that Guillain-Barré Syndrome can cause. Heat helps alleviate pain and muscle spasms, helping to recondition the way your body feels. Adding components like sea salt, baking soda, essential oils like lavender, and even fresh ginger can help relax the muscles and pull toxins from the body.
Engaging in exercises that improve your reflexes and muscle mass can be very beneficial. You can improve your hand reflexes and your eye-hand coordination by simply throwing a small ball against a wall and trying to catch it. Other exercises should be based on what you're capable of doing.
Taking deep breaths and coughing at least 10 times an hour is a natural remedy that has also been known to help with the conditions of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The remedy helps strengthen the lungs, opening the airways, and decreasing the chance for any lung infection.