What Is Guillain-Barre?
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a nerve disorder. Your immune system attacks the nerves responsible for carrying signals from your body to your brain. The nerves' myelin sheath or protective covering is most susceptible to damage.
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Symptoms
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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, initial symptoms of Guillain-Barre include weakness and tingling of your legs. Other symptoms include severe lower back pain, loss of bladder control, the inability to walk and slow heart rate.
Triggers
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Bacterial infections, HIV, mononucleosis, the Epstein-Barr virus and Hodgkin's disease can trigger this disease. While the disease can afflict all age groups, Guillain-Barre affects older and young adults most often.
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Treatment
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A cure for Guillain-Barre doesn't exist and treatments revolve around lessening symptoms of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, a plasma exchange and receiving antibodies from donors is possible to help recover from an onset of the disease.
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