GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME

Is an acquired inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerve, characterized by the acute onset of progressive weakness in more than one limb.

The immune system is designed to protect the body against infection. In GBS, the immune system attacks the protective layer of nerve called the myelin sheath, which prevents the transmission of nerve signals to the brain. This will progressively affect the peripheral nerve, causing weakness, numbness, and even paralysis.

RISK FACTOR

Infections such as influenza virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, hepatitis A, B, and C, and EHIV, the virus that causes AIDS, Mycoplasma pneumonia

Surgery

Trauma

Cancer, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.

SIGN AND SYMPTOM

1. Ataxia may be the only complaint in mild cases.
2. Progressive weakness which symmetric, and more severe proximally.
3. Hypoventilation due to respiratory muscle weakness.
4. Ocular symptoms due to innervated cranial nerve like dysphagia.
5. Absent of deep tendon reflexes
6. Visceral pain sometime.

DIAGNOSIS

• History and Physical examination.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid(CSF): normal early; may show increased protein with few cell after 1 week.
• Electromyography(EMG): diffuse demyelination and decreased nerve conduction velocities.
• Monitor respiratory function: check tidal volumes and negative inspiratory force.
• Rule out Lyme Disease and HIV.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

1. Conium Maculatum: Heavy, weary, paralyzed; trembling; bands unsteady; fingers and toes numb. Muscular weakness, especially of lower extremities. Perspiration of hands. Putting feet on chair relieves pain.
2. Causticum: Left-sided sciatica, with numbness. Paralysis of single parts. Dull, tearing pain in hands and arms. Heaviness and weakness. Tearing joints. Unsteadiness of muscles of forearmand hand. Numbness; loss of sensation in hands. Contracted tendons. Weak ankles. Cannot walk without suffering. Rheumatic tearing in limbs; better by warmth, especially heat of bed. Burning in joints. Unsteady walking and easily falling. Restless legs at night. Cracking and tension in knees; stiffness in hollow of knee.
3. LATHYRUS SATIVUS: Knees knock against each other when walking. Cramps in legs worse cold, and cold feet. Cannot extend or cross legs when sitting. Myelitis, with marked spastic symptoms. Rheumatic paralysis. Gluteal muscles and lower limbs emaciated. Stiffness and lameness of ankles and knees, toe do not leave the floor, heels do not touch floor, Muscles of calves very tense.
4. VIBURNUM OPULUS: Stiff, sore feeling in nape of neck. Feels as if back would break. Sacral backache. Lower extremities weak and heavy.
5. NATRIUM MURIATICUM: Pain in back, with desire for some firm supportArms and legs, but especially knees, feel weak. Numbness and tingling in fingers and lower extremities. Ankles weak and turn easily. Painful contraction of hamstrings.