Pune Sees Sharp Rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a Rare Nerve Disorder

As of 23rd January 2025, Pune has reported 59 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), mainly affecting young people between 12 and 30 years old. The outbreak is spreading quickly in the Sinhagad Road area, Dhayari, and nearby neighborhoods. With 12 patients now on ventilator support, the disease has rapidly grown from 26 to 59 cases since its first detection on January 9, 2025.

Health authorities have sent samples to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) for investigation. A key finding emerged when a high-end PCR test revealed Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in the stool samples of three patients, which is known to trigger GBS.

The state health department has formed a Rapid Response Team to investigate the sudden rise in cases, including experts from NIV, Health Services Department, and B J Medical College. They are conducting extensive surveillance, including door-to-door surveys and water testing in affected areas.

What is Guillain-Barre syndrome ?

Guillain-Barré syndrome, or GBS, is a rare but serious condition where the body's defense system mistakenly attacks its own nerves. ⁽¹⁾

It usually starts with a strange feeling of weakness or tingling in both legs. These odd sensations can quickly move up to the arms and chest. In a matter of hours or days, people might find it harder to move their muscles.

Some may even lose the ability to move parts of their body entirely. GBS often shows up after someone has been sick with a virus or bacteria, though the connection isn't always clear. ⁽²⁾

Is This Nerve Disorder a Silent Health Emergency?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is serious but treatable. It requires immediate hospitalization due to its serious nature. Most patients begin to recover 2-3 weeks after symptoms start, though the recovery process can range from a few weeks to several years.

While the majority of people fully recover, some individuals may experience permanent nerve damage. In rare, critical cases, GBS can be fatal. Most patients recover fully with proper medical care, which typically involves hospitalization and therapies like plasma exchange or immunoglobulin treatment.

While the condition can be frightening, quick medical attention significantly improves outcomes. If you experience sudden weakness or tingling, seek immediate medical help. ⁽³⁾

How to know if you’re suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome?

If you think you might have Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), it's important to see a doctor right away. You can't diagnose it yourself at home. But you should watch out for these signs - 

• Feeling weak or tingly in your legs, which might spread to your arms and upper body

• Losing reflexes, especially in your legs

• Face feeling weak, trouble moving your eyes or swallowing

These signs are more worrying if you've been sick recently. If you notice them, go to a doctor immediately. ⁽⁴⁾

Only doctors can tell if it's really GBS. They'll do things like - 

• Check how your nerves and muscles are working

• Take a sample of fluid from your spine

• Test how well your nerves send signals

• Do blood tests or any additional tests

Getting help early is really important if it is GBS. The sooner you're treated, the better you're likely to recover.

References:

1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome." Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/guillain-barre-syndrome.

2. NHS. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome." Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/.

3. Mayo Clinic. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment." Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20363006.

4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome." Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/guillainbarr-syndrome.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Iqra Momin/MSM)