NEWS ABOUT RISE IN GBS CASES IN PUNE 2025
What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome ?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) might sound like a big, complicated medical term. However, it's a condition that affects thousands of people worldwide each year. It’s a rare disorder. Your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves. It causes muscle weakness and sometimes even paralysis. The good news? Most people recover, especially with early medical treatment and ongoing physiotherapy. Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
GBS is a rare neurological disorder where your immune system, which usually protects you, accidentally damages the protective covering of your nerves (called myelin). This damage slows down or blocks the signals your brain sends to your muscles, causing weakness or other symptoms.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
GBS symptoms often come on suddenly and get worse over a few days or weeks. Here’s what you might notice:
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations: Often starting in your fingers, toes, or both.
- Weakness in your arms and legs: This can progress, making it hard to walk or move.
- Pain in your muscles or joints: Some people feel aches or cramps.
- Difficulty with movements: Including walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects.
- Breathing challenges: In severe cases, GBS can affect the muscles used for breathing.
Symptoms usually start in the lower body and spread upward—a pattern known as “ascending paralysis.”
If you notice these signs, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. GBS is a medical emergency that needs quick care to stop it from worsening.
How Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome Treated?
There’s no cure for GBS, but medical treatments focus on managing symptoms and speeding up recovery. These might include:
- Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This process removes harmful antibodies from your blood.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): A treatment that blocks the damaging antibodies.
Most people start improving within a few weeks to months. However, recovery can take time. That's where physiotherapy steps in as a game-changer.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Recovery
Physiotherapy is a key part of rehabilitation for GBS patients. As GBS impacts your movement, strength, and balance, physiotherapy helps you regain control and get back to your everyday life. Here’s how physiotherapy works for GBS:
1. Strengthening Weak Muscles
After GBS, your muscles might feel weak or stiff from lack of use. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that gradually rebuild strength while protecting your recovering nerves.
2. Improving Balance and Coordination
GBS can throw off your balance. Physiotherapists use simple exercises and techniques to help you regain confidence in standing, walking, and moving without fear of falling.
3. Restoring Flexibility
If your muscles or joints feel tight, gentle stretching exercises can restore flexibility and prevent stiffness from causing more discomfort.
4. Pain Relief Techniques
Physiotherapists use methods like heat therapy, massage, or electrical stimulation to reduce muscle pain and improve circulation in affected areas.
5. Training for Everyday Movements
Walking, climbing stairs, or even lifting groceries can feel like a challenge after GBS. Physiotherapists break these tasks into manageable steps, helping you regain independence.
6. Breathing Exercises
If GBS affected your chest muscles, breathing exercises can improve lung function and help you feel stronger faster.
Why Physiotherapy Matters
Recovering from GBS is a journey, and no two people experience it exactly the same way. Physiotherapists create personalized programs based on your unique needs, helping you set and achieve realistic goals. The goal isn’t just to feel better physically—it’s to help you regain your confidence and independence.
Tips for Recovering with GBS
- Be patient with yourself. Recovery can be slow, but progress is progress. Celebrate the small victories.
- Stay consistent with therapy. Regular physiotherapy sessions are key to building strength and regaining mobility.
- Listen to your body. If an activity feels too difficult, speak with your physiotherapist about adjustments.
At Cura Advanced Physiotherapy Centers , we understand how challenging life with GBS can be. Our experienced team of physiotherapists is here to support your recovery everystep of the way. Whether you need help rebuilding strength or adapting to new routines, we’re just a call away.