Guillian Barre questions answered

Written By Aaron Babb

Guillian Barre occurs when your immune system attacks your central nervous system. The onset of Guillian Barre is rapid and can quickly evolve from tingling and numbness of the extremities into paralysis of the leg/s or arm/s. The root cause of Guillian Barre is unknown however many suffers report contracting an infection or virus such as Covid-19 6 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. Guillian Barre is rare and the level of disability caused by Guillian Barre is highly variable. 

How does Guillian Barre affect you?

  • Pins and Needles 

  • Weakness of Upper Limbs and Lower Limbs 

  • Decreased or absent ability to walk

  • Difficulty speaking 

  • Difficulty swallowing 

  • Difficulty with facial expressions 

  • Jerky movements 

  • Distorted vision

  • Difficulty breathing 

  • Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction 

  • High heart rate 

  • High/Low Blood Pressure 

Various manifestations of Guillian Barre syndrome

Most of those affected by Guillian Barre will have a full recovery from their impairments. Some recover quickly, some recover slowly. The level of disability or amount of impairments is not nessessarily a predictor for the speed of recovery. Recommendations to help aid a speedy recovery include intensive, regular Physiotherapy, and increased social interaction with family and friends to provide emotional and physical support. 

Who get’s Guillian Barre?

Anyone can develop Guillian Barre. In Australia approximately 2 people in 100,000 have Guillian Barre. Those more at risk of Guillian Barre are older and male, triggers for Guillian Barre are infections or bacteria such as: Campylobactor (undercooked chicken), Epstein Barr Virus, Surgery, Trauma, Covid-19, Zika Virus and HIV just to name a few. 

What is the treatment for Guillian Barre?

Acutely ill clients may receive a form of immunotherapy were antibodies are removed from the blood-stream to slow the attack on the peripheral nervous system and offer the body a chance to stabilise and recuperate. Immunotherapy is optimonally performed within 7-14 days from the onset of signs and symptoms. If the Guillian Barre is extensive, Physiotherapy is the avenue of care to restore muscular strength and function. 

What can Aevum do for me?

Here at Kirrawee we have a passionate team of Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists and Occupational Therapists with state of the art technology and training. We can accommodate your needs from in home or off site services to getting you on our C-Mill and helping you move as much as possible. To work with our experienced Allied Health team towards your recovery, CONTACT US to learn more and make an appointment.

Aaron Babb
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