48-year-old Rekha (name changed) presented to us with inability to move all four limbs. 3 months ago, she started experiencing pain and a sudden loss of strength in her muscles. She is a maid who has to stand for a longer duration of time and perform various activities like cleaning, cooking food and washing clothes.
After having a gastrointestinal infection she stated feeling weakness in all 4 limbs. Weakness started from distal muscle like from hand and foot which progressed towards shoulder and hip. She also had abnormal sensations in the area of foot and hand. After thorough examination and history taking she was diagnosed with GBS.
Rekha was diagnosed as Guillian Barre Syndrome. Her medical treatment with immunoglobulins and supplementations were started. On her discharge, she was advised Physiotherapy.
A detailed evaluation revealed she had hypotonia in all four limbs with significant loss of muscle strength. The left upper limb and lower limb was more affected than the right ones.
Physiotherapy sessions were started with Quantum Resonance Therapy (QRT) for 30 sessions over a period of 3 months. The therapy was a combination of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) and Magneto Mechanical Oscillator (MMO). PEMF therapy was given to her cervical and lumbar spine and MMO was applied to her limbs.
Rekha was also taught specific exercises with close monitoring of her vitals and fatigue levels. Tailored exercises aimed to improve muscular strength was the goal of the entire rehabilitation program.
After the QRT sessions Rekha felt gradual improvement in the strength. Initially she had improvement in the shoulder muscles which progressed further to muscles of hand. Slowly she was able to do all the daily activities and was able to work with small objects.
At the end of 3 months, Rekha experienced 75 % functional improvement. She was able to handle objects better. She was able to sit independently and walk in her room with assistance.
But, What is Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system. (1)
The Syndrome begins with pins and needles sensation in the fingers of the palm and feet. The patient experiences tingling, numbness and pain. This is followed by weakness in the muscles of the limbs.
Many people with Guillain–Barré syndrome have experienced the signs and symptoms of an infection in the 3–6 weeks prior to the onset of the neurological symptoms. This may consist of upper respiratory tract infection (rhinitis, sore throat) or diarrhea and fever.
What are the causes of GBS?
The causes of GBS are unknown. Some studies have shown that it occurs after infection from three organisms. Some researchers have proven that GBS is an autoimmune disorder.
How long does it take to recover from GBS?
In more than half the cases of GBS, weakness or paralysis becomes worse within the first week of diagnosis. However, onset of recovery is varied. Patients show gradual recovery of muscle strength 2 to 4 weeks after progression has stopped or plateaued.
References:
Read More:
Let’s understand Guillian Barre Syndrome!
