Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition where your immune system attacks your nerve cells. The attack causes muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. The GBS condition can affect anyone but mainly occurs in people ages 30 through 50.
There are many causes of the condition, including vaccines. An immunization-related GBS often develops three to forty days after receiving the vaccination. Most people recover from the condition in six months to a year, or even up to three years.
Some victims develop lasting complications from the disorder. People who develop complications after a vaccine may qualify for compensation for their injury-related losses.
If you or a loved one has developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, consult a trusted vaccine injury attorney for legal support on how to file a claim.
Navigating Life with Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Most people who develop Guillain-Barré syndrome experience a normal life expectancy. Less than two percent of victims die from GBS during its acute period when they experience the worst symptoms.
People might die as a result of GBS due to the following conditions:
- Cardiac arrests
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Blood clots in the lungs
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)
The Road to Recovery from Guillain-Barré
Recovery from the Guillain-Barré syndrome(GBS) injury varies, with many people gaining substantial recovery within several months. Even so, about 30 percent of adults— and a higher percentage of children— experience lingering muscle weakness three years after diagnosis.
The total time of full recovery can vary from months to a year, depending on the severity. Although most people recover fully, some sustain permanent nerve damage.
Recovery
Although many people take several months or even years to recover, recovery from GBS syndrome involves the following timeline:
- After identifying the first symptoms, their condition seems to worsen progressively over two weeks
- Symptoms stagnate within four weeks
- Recovery begins and lasts 6-12 months; for some people, it could take as long as three years.
The following is observed among adults recovering from Guillain-Barre syndrome:
- 80% can walk independently six months after diagnosis
- 60% fully recover motor strength one year after diagnosis
- 5-10% experience delayed or incomplete recovery
Symptoms
The first signs of GBS include tingling and weakness, which starts in the feet and legs and spreads to the upper body and arms. Other people notice the first symptoms of GBS in the arms or face.
As the GBS condition progresses, muscle weakness may turn into paralysis:
Here are the typical signs and symptoms of GBS:
- Rapid heart rate
- High or low blood pressure
- Unbalanced walking or inability to climb or walk stairs
- Lack of energy to move eyes or double vision
- Severe pain that may feel shooting, achy, or cramp-like, which often worsens at night
- Difficulty with bowel function or bladder control
- Difficulty with facial movements, including chewing, speaking, or swallowing
- Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body
- Pins and needles sensation in your toes, ankles, or wrists
Diagnosis
It is challenging to diagnose GBS in its earliest stages. A healthcare provider will diagnose GBS conditions based on symptoms and medical history.
After an initial evaluation, a doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Electromyography(EMG): The EMG test evaluates muscle response to electrical activity in response to the nerve’s muscle stimulation. The test detects numerous neuromuscular abnormalities. A healthcare provider inserts one or two tiny needles through the skin into the muscle during the test.
- Nerve Coordination Study: A nerve coordination test measures how fast an electrical impulse goes through a nerve. During the test, a healthcare provider taps electrodes to the skin above your nerves to stimulate your nerves.
- Spinal Tap: A healthcare provider withdraws a small amount of fluid from the spinal canal in your lower back. The fluid is then tested for a change commonly occurring in people with GBS.
Enhancing Your Quality of Life Post-GBS
There’s no cure for the GBS condition; however, some therapies can lessen the severity of your condition and increase your quality of life after recovery.
Plasma Exchange
It is a procedure that involves passing a patient’s blood through an apheresis machine, where blood plasma is separated from the blood cells. The machine treats the blood cells, which are then reintroduced into the body, allowing the production of additional plasma.
The plasma exchange treatment works by filtering out antibodies in your plasma that are attacking your nerves.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIG)
It involves an intravenous injection (IV) of immunoglobulins, proteins your immune system naturally makes to attack invading organisms. A dose of immunoglobulin is collected from thousands of healthy donors.
A high dose of immunoglobulin can block the harmful antibodies contributing to the Guillain-Barre syndrome. Any of the above methods can shorten your recovery time if you start treatment within two weeks of developing the GBS syndrome.
Rehabilitation
A healthcare provider may transfer you to a rehabilitation setting once you improve. You may work with a therapist and other professionals to regain strength and resume daily activities.
The common types of therapy include:
- Physical Therapy: The role of physical therapy is to relieve pain, strengthen weak muscles, and enhance mobility. Physical therapy also manages symptoms like discomfort and stiffness.
- Speech Therapy: A speech therapist can help you regain speaking and swallowing if GBS affects your throat or mouth.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy enhances your ability to perform daily tasks. An occupational therapist helps you learn to sit, stand, or move using different tools and safely participate in activities.
- Mobility Aids: A healthcare provider can recommend special devices such as braces, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers to improve your mobility and prevent falls. Mobility aids are credited with reducing fatigue to ill victims.
Legal Support for Guillain-Barré Syndrome Patients from a Vaccine Attorney
Vaccine recipients who develop Guillain-Barré syndrome deserve compensation for injury-related losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced vaccine injury attorney enhances your chances of obtaining a fair settlement value for your losses.
Jeffrey S.Pop & Associates has decades of experience representing injured victims, giving us the resources and skills to fight for your rights. Reach out online or at (888) 891-2816 for a free case evaluation.