Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that appeared during a vaccination campaign for the swine flu outbreak in the United States in 1976, as well as with the vaccine used during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic .
But what is GBS?
Immune disorder
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the protective layer of nerve fibers. In most cases, GBS appears after a bacterial or viral infection. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks itself by mistake .
Infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common risk factors, although it can also develop after having the flu or other infections (such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus).
It tends to start with tingling and weakness that begins in the feet and legs and then spreads to the upper body and arms. Other signs and symptoms can be:
- Leg weakness that spreads to the upper body
- Inability to walk or climb stairs
- Difficulty performing facial movements.
- Double vision or inability to move the eyes
- Severe pain, which may be stabbing or cramping.
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function.
- Accelerated heart rate
- High or low blood pressure
There are currently a number of treatments that can relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of GBS. Although, while most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome recover, the death rate is 4% to 7% .
The disorder has recently made headlines since the EMA asked AstraZeneca for more detailed data on a possible link between its vaccine and itself.