The Wellington Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
The Wellington Hospital North Building NW8 6PD London
Private Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Treatment
HCA provides multi-disciplinary treatment and full rehabilitation for people with Guillain-Barré syndrome
About
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare serious disorder where your body's immune system attacks your nerves. It starts in the feet, hands and limbs, and causes numbness, weakness and pain. The condition can usually be treated, but it does cause long-term problems for some people.
It occurs in all age groups, but older people are most affected.
Need to know
Symptoms start in the extremities - the hands and feet are first affected, then the legs.
The first symptoms are:
- numbness
- pins and needles
- muscle weakness
- pain
- loss of balance and co-ordination
These symptoms may worsen over the next few days or weeks (usually peaking at four weeks). They may include:
- difficulty walking
- paralysis of the face, arms or legs
- breathing difficulties
- blurred vision
- difficulty speaking
- problems swallowing
If you have these symptoms, it's a medical emergency. Ring 999 and go straight to accident and emergency (A&E).
A consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They will also check your muscle reflexes and check for numbness in your hands, feet or limbs.
If they think you may have Guillan-Barré syndrome, your consultant may order the following tests:
- Electromyography (EMG). Here, needles are placed into your muscles. When nearby nerves are activated, electrical recordings show how your muscles react.
- Lumbar puncture. fluid is taken from around the spinal cord in the lower back. The sample is checked for problems which cause similar symptoms to Guillain-Barré syndrome, such as an infection.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). This is where donated blood containing healthy antibodies is injected into a vein. The healthy antibodies stop the harmful antibodies being produced by your immune system from damaging your nerves. It's given once a day for around five days.
- Plasma exchange. Blood is removed from your body via a machine. This filters out harmful antibodies and returns the blood to your body.
A full recovery programme in neuro rehab may be needed to treat long-term problems. This may include speech and language therapy, occupational health therapy, and physiotherapy.
Our Private Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Treatment locations
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.