Researchers speculate that a virus or bacterial infection is the cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome. The infection may somehow mutate cells in the nervous system, attacking them when they turn “foreign” to the immune system sensors. It may also cloud those sensors so that it no longer discriminates on just what it will tolerate in the body.

To date, there is only speculation, and immunologists, virologists and neurological scientists are eagerly looking at what causes this mysterious affliction.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Guillain-Barre is called a syndrome because it is not yet clear that a specific disease is causing its appearance in humans. Research defines a syndrome as a medical condition characterized by a collection of symptoms (the patient’s role) and signs (the doctor’s observations and test results).

Because Guillain-Barre starts out with little by way of symptoms before progressing, it often gets rolling long before doctors recognize it. Several disorders mimic the symptoms of Guillain-Barre, delaying the diagnosis and testing. One of the most effective ways to diagnose Guillain-Barre is a spinal tap, but that procedure is done in operating rooms and usually must be scheduled. The onset of Guillain-Barre in its later stages, speeding up in days, often leaves little time to be certain.

Because there is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, doctors must rely on ventilators and several therapies to slow down the severity of the syndrome and aid in recovery.

Among the therapies doctors use are plasma exchanges (referred to as plasmapheresis), a method in which whole blood is removed and processed so that the red and white cells are separated from the plasma and then returned to the patient. This helps the body quickly replace the plasma. The procedure appears to reduce the duration of the Guillain-Barre episodes and often heads off the most severe problems, Despite the effectiveness of the treatments, doctors have no idea why it works. Speculation is that the plasmapheresis removes antibodies and other immune system warriors that may be damaging the nerves.