Rapid Fire
Guillain-Barré Syndrome and BBE
- 03 Feb 2025
- 2 min read
Pune reported a case of Bickerstaff’s Brainstem Encephalitis (BBE), a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
- GBS: It is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system (PNS) (controls muscle movement and sensory functions).
- Symptoms: Range from mild weakness to severe paralysis, including breathing difficulties.
- Treatment: No known cure for GBS. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), derived from healthy blood donations, can aid in recovery.
- BBE: It is a rare, rapidly progressive, post-infectious neurological disorder where the brainstem becomes inflamed.
- Symptoms: Mild respiratory infections or diarrheal illness, ataxia (loss of muscle control), ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of eye muscles), and weakness of limbs.
- Treatment: IVIG is commonly used to treat the condition.
- BBE and GBS: BBE affects the central nervous system (CNS), while GBS impacts the PNS.
- BBE is caused by an autoimmune response (the body's immune system attacks its own tissues) after an infection, while GBS is triggered by infection, vaccination, or surgery.
- Precautions: Precautions for BBE and GBS include getting the flu vaccine, practicing hygiene, and seeking immediate medical help for neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness.
Read more: Guillain-Barre Syndrome
