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As per experts, one of the treatments for Guillain-Barre (GB) syndrome involves administering injections over five consecutive days, with each injection costing approximately Rs 15,000
As the GB syndrome progresses, mobility issues can arise, and in severe cases, patients may require ventilator support. (News18 Hindi)
Cases of Guillain-Barre (GB) syndrome are continuously increasing in Pune, with more than 110 patients diagnosed with this neurological disease and many requiring ventilator support.
The ICMR team is investigating how the disease has affected so many people simultaneously, as Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder and does not spread from person to person. Meanwhile, discussions about the syndrome are circulating on social media, with many people also enquiring about the treatment options and cost.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s antibodies attack its own nervous system. This condition leads to symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness in the hands and legs, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, headaches, fever, and body aches may also occur. As the syndrome progresses, mobility issues can arise, and in severe cases, patients may require ventilator support.
There is also confusion about whether Guillain-Barre syndrome can spread through improperly cooked food, such as cheese or rice.
Dr Neeraj Kumar, Senior Neurologist at Metro Hospital in Noida, told News18 that, in general, there is no risk of contracting this syndrome through food. However, respiratory infections, stomach infections, and certain bacterial infections can trigger GBS in rare cases – occurring in about 2 to 4 individuals per several lakh. To reduce the risk, people should take precautions to prevent infections, although there is no guaranteed way to avoid GBS.
Treatment Options And Costs
Dr Neeraj highlights two main treatment methods for this syndrome. The first involves administering injections over five consecutive days based on the patient’s body weight. Typically, 4 to 6 injections are given daily, with each injection costing approximately Rs 15,000.
The second treatment method is plasmapheresis, which functions similarly to dialysis. This procedure lasts around 10 days, with an estimated cost of Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Guillain-Barre syndrome typically progresses for 2 to 3 weeks, followed by a recovery period of 3 to 4 weeks after treatment. With timely medical intervention, approximately 60 to 70 per cent of patients recover fully.
However, some cases may deteriorate, necessitating ventilator support, and in severe instances, the condition can be fatal. Therefore, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
