“Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which the immune system damages the nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis (CDC, 2019).” This disorder is characterized by the rapid onset of numbness, weakness, and often paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. According to American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, the cause of GBS is unknown, however it has been noted that approximately 50% of the cases of GBS occur following an acute viral or bacterial infection.
Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining Guillain-Barre Syndrome to children:
• Nerves – part of your body that carries messages to and from the brain to the rest of your body
• Brain – the organ inside your head that controls all the parts of the body
• Muscles – large groups of cells that help your body to move
• Immune system – the parts of the body that protect you from germs that can make you sick
According to GBS | CIDP Foundation International, the common signs and symptoms of GBS include:
• Weakness or tingling sensations in both legs
• Often times, weakness and tingling sensations spreading to the arms and upper body.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• GBS affects about 1 in 100,000 people in the United States.
• GBS is most common in men and people over the age of 50.
Resources
- Websites
• https://www.gbs-cidp.org/
• https://www.aanem.org/Patients/Muscle-and-Nerve-Disorders/Guillain-Barre-Syndrome
• https://gaincharity.org.uk/ - Books
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome: From Diagnosis to Recovery (American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guides) by Gareth J. Parry and Joel S. Steinberg
• Chaos in Body and Mind: Our Battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome by Carole J. Williams
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019, December 20). Guillain-barré syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/guillain-barre.html.
Guillain-barre syndrome. Guillain-Barre Syndrome | American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.aanem.org/Patients/Muscle-and-Nerve-Disorders/Guillain-Barre-Syndrome.
Guillain-barré syndrome (gbs). GBS/CIDP Foundation International. (2020, November 24). https://www.gbs-cidp.org/gbs/.