About Guillain Barre Syndrome
Key Highlights
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Targeted treatment to stop the autoimmune attack on nerves.Can prevent progression to severe paralysis and respiratory failure.Specialized care from an immunologist ensures accurate diagnosis and tailored therapy.May significantly improve recovery speed and long-term outcomes.Often involves multidisciplinary support for comprehensive patient management.
Who is this surgery for?
- Rapidly progressive muscle weakness, typically starting in the legs and ascending.
- Loss of reflexes (areflexia).
- Tingling or pain sensations in the limbs.
- Difficulty with facial movements, swallowing, or speaking.
- Autonomic dysfunction (e.g., blood pressure fluctuations, heart rate abnormalities).
- Recent history of respiratory or gastrointestinal infection (common trigger).
How to prepare
- Immediate hospitalization is usually required for monitoring and treatment.
- Neurological examination and assessment of respiratory function.
- Diagnostic tests: Nerve conduction studies and lumbar puncture for CSF analysis.
- Discussion of treatment options (IVIG vs. plasmapheresis) and potential risks.
- Stabilization of any concurrent medical issues.
- In severe cases, preparation for potential intensive care and ventilator support.
Risks & possible complications
- Allergic or adverse reactions to IVIG (headache, fever, rare anaphylaxis).
- Complications from plasmapheresis (low blood pressure, infection, clotting issues).
- Risk of blood clots due to immobility.
- Autonomic instability leading to cardiac arrhythmias or blood pressure swings.
- Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Long-term residual weakness, fatigue, or neuropathic pain.
- Relapse or treatment failure in rare cases.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay focuses on treatment administration and monitoring for complications.
- Rehabilitation with physical and occupational therapy begins early to regain strength and function.
- Gradual weaning from respiratory support if needed.
- Ongoing outpatient therapy and follow-up with neurologist and immunologist.
- Management of residual symptoms like pain or fatigue.
- Psychological support to cope with the recovery journey.
- Most recovery occurs in the first 6-12 months, but improvement can continue for up to 2 years.
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Typical hospital stay: 14-30 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 months to 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering guillain barre syndrome in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with immunology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform guillain barre syndrome. MediFyr helps you compare immunologist specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for guillain barre syndrome compare across other countries where we have data.
Pooja Patel, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Pooja Patel, a 28-year-old software engineer, was an avid runner and recently married. Her symptoms began subtly with tingling in her toes after a mild stomach bug. Within a week, the tingling ascended to her calves, and she felt unsteady walking. Alarmed when she struggled to climb stairs, she went to the ER. An immunologist diagnosed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after a lumbar puncture and nerve conduction studies showed the characteristic pattern. The doctor urgently recommended intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to halt the immune system's attack on her nerves. Pooja received five days of IVIG infusions in the hospital, feeling anxious but hopeful. Post-treatment, the progression stopped. Recovery was slow and grueling; she spent two weeks in inpatient rehab, relearning to walk with parallel bars. Three months later, she walks independently with a cane and continues outpatient physical therapy. Emotionally, she went from fear and frustration at her body's betrayal to a determined, patient resilience, celebrating small victories like standing unassisted. Her husband's support was her anchor.