Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated disease that could affect anyone. GBS is an immune attack that targets the nervous system. The nervous system is something you don’t want to mess with, it could be bad. GBS is actually the leading cause of nerve paralysis. GBS is divided into different types depending on certain features. But, even with the understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment options, there is still high morbidity rated.
Now, I really wanted to talk about something other than COVID today, but I guess it just weasels itself into everything. Guillain – Barre has always been interesting to me ever since it was introduced to me in anatomy and physiology class in high school. Well, I go to refresh myself on the disease before writing about it, and I see information that a case of COVID presented itself as GBS- like. Weakness and tingling in your limbs aero usually the first symptoms. These spread quickly and paralyze the whole body. Well, even though I didn’t want to, it is still pretty cool to look into this. So, let’s see what the GBS and COVID idea is about.
In January, a 61 year old woman showed weakness in her legs and severe fatigue. She had retuned from Wuhan the week before. But, she did not have fever, cough, or chest pain. She had good oxygen stats, but her weakness in the limbs was showing. She was diagnosed with GBS. But, then on day 8 she was developed a dry cough and fever. Her lungs began to show opacities. She was then tested for COVID and put into isolation. She regained muscle strength back in her limbs and her tests for COVID were negative. But, then her relatives tested positive for COVID. The final conclusion they made was that this is the first GBS associated with COVID. They believe she was infected in Wuhan, but the testing failed them.
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