Guillain Barre Syndrome 101: What You Need To Know

What Causes This Condition?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves and damages their myelin insulation, and this immune dysfunction can be triggered by an infection, surgery, or vaccination. The damage prevents the nerves from transmitting signals to the brain, resulting in the patient becoming weak and experiencing numbness or paralysis. The exact causes of Guillain-Barre syndrome are unknown, and this disorder usually appears a couple of days or weeks following a respiratory or digestive tract infection. In rare instances, a recent surgery or vaccine a patient has received can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome, however, there has recently been a few cases reported following an individual becoming infected with the Zika virus.

Guillain Barre syndrome does not discriminate as it can affect all age groups and ethnicities. However, young adult males are at the highest risk of developing it. This disorder is triggered by an infection with Campylobacter, a form of bacteria found in undercooked poultry; the influenza virus; cytomegalovirus; Epstein-Barr virus; Hepatitis A, B, C, and E; as well as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Other viruses that can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome include mycoplasma pneumonia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Get familiar with the complications of Guillain-Barre syndrome next.