Treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Though a lot of information is available for this condition today, there is still no cure for it. The treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome is designed to lessen the discomfort caused by the symptoms and to slow their progression. The treatments also aim to prevent or reduce complications and improve chances of recovery. In case the symptoms are severe, the patient needs immediate hospitalization. If the diaphragm and chest muscles have been affected by the condition, artificial breathing support may have to be offered.

In the earlier stages of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, patients are given immunosuppressant medications to reduce the number of antibodies produced by the body. This prevents the nervous system from being attacked by the body’s own immune system. This can help reduce the severity of the condition and may also lessen its duration.

In the more advanced cases, a treatment known as plasmapheresis may be offered to the patient. This is a treatment in which the antibodies in the blood are removed through a machine which withdraws blood from the body, removes antibodies, adds donated plasma to the blood and pumps it back into the body. This can help reduce the damage done by the autoimmune disorder.

Another option for treatment is with a high dose immunoglobulin therapy, also known as IVG. However, this therapy may suppress the immune system of the person and make them susceptible to other infections and diseases.

Additional treatments may be given and these are aimed only at preventing or reducing complications. Pain may be treated with the help of narcotics and other anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, the patient may be given blood thinners to prevent clots from forming in the body. More information on suggested treatment methods may be found at http://www.gbs-cidp.org.

Prognosis

Home Remedies

References