Mumbai has reported its first case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, with a 64-year-old woman currently undergoing treatment at a civic-run hospital.
Patient’s Condition and Symptoms
According to hospital officials, the elderly patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a history of fever and diarrhoea, which was followed by ascending paralysis—a classic symptom of GBS.
Understanding Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, affecting the nerves that carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (US), GBS can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Who Can Be Affected?
GBS can affect people of any age or gender, but it is more common in adults and individuals over 50 years old.
Symptoms and Recovery
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the first signs of GBS include weakness or tingling in the legs, which may spread to the arms and face. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis of the limbs or facial muscles.
However, most patients fully recover, even from severe cases, though some may continue to experience weakness.
GBS Outbreak in Maharashtra
Mumbai’s first reported case comes amid a rise in suspected GBS cases in Maharashtra’s Pune district. The number of suspected cases in Pune has reached 173, with six reported deaths, including a 63-year-old man who recently passed away.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Sources By Agencies