Guillain-Barré syndrome
Have You Been Diagnosed With Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a debilitating condition that can affect any person at any age, although it is commonly found in adults and the elderly. GBS severely impacts muscle strength and affects a person’s ability to breathe on their own.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, “Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS can range from a very mild case with brief weakness to nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe independently.”
Most people end up successfully recovering from GBS, even with more severe cases, although it is normal to still be pretty weak after recovery. Thankfully, physical therapy can help during the recovery process. To learn more about this condition, or to get help for yourself or a loved one, contact Blue Ridge Physical Therapy in Johnson City, TN today.
What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is a mystery as of today. Researchers aren’t quite sure what triggers the condition, however, they do know that it is an auto-immune disease that is not contagious, nor is it genetically inherited. Most cases begin shortly after a person has a respiratory or viral infection, and it can also be triggered by a recent surgery. Symptoms of this disorder can manifest on both sides of the body, and pain is normally felt very deep in the muscles of the back or legs.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Symptoms of this condition vary from person to person, but often include tingling in the hands or feet, and in children, pain that radiates in the back or leg regions. Children may also experience difficulty walking. Most individuals are at their weakest during the first 14 days after showing symptoms.
Here is a list of the most commonly experienced symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems, difficulty seeing clearly
- Problems with speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Digestion issues
- Incontinence
- Coordination difficulties
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Elevated blood pressure or heart rate
If you or a loved one is experiencing any or all of the above-mentioned symptoms, be sure to contact our office in Johnson City, TN today to learn more about your treatment options.
How Blue Ridge Physical Therapy Can Help
Since this condition affects a person’s muscle strength, physical therapy is a good option for aiding in recovery. The goal of physical therapy here at Blue Ridge Physical Therapy is to help patients regain strength and get back to living their life as they did before experiencing this illness.
One of our licensed physical therapists in Johnson City, TN will be able to assess your condition and pain levels, and will take a look at your overall medical history. From there, they will create a customized therapy treatment that is specific to your needs, including exercises, targeted stretches, and hands-on therapy to make your muscles more flexible, restore mobility, and improve strength.
Your physical therapy treatment plan will also help improve blood flow and range of motion.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to contact a professional for help. Request an appointment at Blue Ridge Physical Therapy in Johnson City, TN today for more information about pain management and treatment for this condition.
