Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has recently made a mark in India with alerts being issued in states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka over this rare yet potentially serious disorder of the nervous system. Triggered by an autoimmune response to certain infections, G.B.S. causes the body to attack its own peripheral nerves, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and paralysis as well as — in serious cases — respiratory failure. Although for some people the recovery is a matter of weeks, for many, it is a long, hard slog, often needing intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Fighting a Rare Form of GBS, a Mother’s Battle
Supriya (name changed) was a 42-year-old mother living an ordinary life in Mumbai when she suddenly started developing double vision that made swallowing difficult — very unlike the way GBS usually starts, where weakness in the legs is the first sign of trouble. They were diagnosed with a rare variant called Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) that crossed over with Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN). Her condition worsened quickly. Within days, she was unable to move her face, open her eyes, or breathe on her own. She was completely paralysed, though fully conscious. She required immediate treatment by a physician and support by mechanical ventilation and other specialised therapies to slow the amount of tissue damage in her lungs.
Supriya went through aggressive therapy over the next 2.5 months, including immunoglobulin and extensive physiotherapy. Little by little, she built up her strength. In February 2025, she was finally able to breathe on her own. While the path in front of her is still an uphill bout, her recovery is a testament to both resilience and medical advancement.
A Young Student’s Struggle to Survive
On New Year’s Day in 2024, Arun, a 22-year-old student from Bangalore (name changed), felt his hands go numb. What started as a routine illness was initially dismissed but very quickly turned into a life-and-death situation. He had contracted a bacterial infection that had led to GBS and was attacking his nerves and disrupting his ability to breathe. His condition deteriorated, and he was put on a ventilator. The extended use of mechanical ventilation was fraught with its own hazards, such as infection and muscle wasting.
Recovery was difficult, needing a multidisciplinary approach including respiratory care, physiotherapy, and mental rehabilitation. Improvements came slowly through weeks of treatment and therapy. Stints at a tracheostomy assisted his breathing, and gradually, as his strength returned, he moved from intensive care to rehabilitation. By early March, Arun was breathing on his own and regaining mobility. His recovery is ongoing but gradual, a testament to the power of determination and early medical intervention.
GBS: A Challenge in Understanding and Prevention
GBS is a rare condition, occurring in 1–2 people per 100,000 people each year, but it can be life-threatening. Taking precautions such as regular handwashing, avoiding unsanitary food and water, and preserving overall immunity will help reduce the risk of infections that eventually lead to the syndrome. Rehabilitation is not just a physical healing process. The continued inability to move can have psychological effects too and lead to being emotionally scared, so providing mental well-being comes into play as a significant part of rehabilitation. Timely medical treatment and long-term physiotherapy are key to restoring quality of life for the patients, the spokesperson added. Not all cases need venting, but any sudden weakness or numbness in the limbs should be considered serious and looked at quickly.” The experiences of those who have survived GBS are a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of timely medical intervention in the recovery process.
(The authors, Dr. Srinivas Raju, is a Consultant Neurologist and Dr. Hirennappa B Udnur, is a Consultant Pulmonologist at Manipal Hospitals, Varthur Road and Whitefield.)
