Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological condition where the body’s autoimmune system attacks the nerves and lining surrounding the nerves. The cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is not known but the condition is often preceded by an infection or respiratory illness.

What foodborne pathogens cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

While there are any number of foodborne pathogens that can cause the autoimmune reaction that can lead to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), one common foodborne bacterial pathogen has shown a very close relationship to the condition. Researchers estimate that Campylobacter may be responsible for 40% of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases annually. Campylobacteriosis, an infection of Campylobacter, is one of the more common foodborne illnesses in the in the U.S.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) typically starts as a tingling sensation and weakness in the extremities or face that moves toward the body. Eventually the tingling and weakness give way to paralyisis. Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing and swallowing
• Severe back pain
• Problems with breathing
• Difficulty walking
• Decreased heart rate
• Lowered blood pressure

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) generally follows the same pattern for all its victims. After the initial symptoms onset, the symptoms worsen for about 15 days and as the condition worsens, the symptoms plateau and stabilize for about a month. After the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) resolves, the patient is left to recover from any damage suffered from the condition. Recovery can take anywhere from a month to years, but on average lasts about two to six months.

How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) treated?

There is no cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and treatment is more aimed at controlling symptoms rather than combating the condition. Plasmapheresis, a procedure where plasma is removed from the blood, may help control the antibodies that are attacking the nerves. Immunoglobulin is sometimes administered in an effort to allow safe antibodies to interfere with the attacking antibodies. For the most part, treatment consists of stabilizing the patient and avoiding complications until the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) resolves.

Who is at risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

There is no one group that is at more significant risk, but young adults and older adults seem to have a slightly higher incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) among their age groups.

Are there long term consequences from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Most people who contract Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) make a full recovery, though the recovery can be long and difficult. For some individuals, the nerve damage is severe enough that full recovery is impossible. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is rarely fatal.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.