What is Epilepsy and Seizures?

by Dr Chandril Chugh

6 signs that it’s time to consult a Best Neurologist

Neurological conditions can significantly impact one's quality of life. From headaches and chronic pain to more severe symptoms like memory loss and dizziness, it's crucial to recognize when it's time to seek the expertise of a neurologist. In this article, we will explore 6 signs that it’s time to consult a best neurologist and discuss how specialists can help diagnose and treat these conditions. At the Dr. Good Deed Clinic, renowned neurologist Dr. Chandril Chugh provides top-notch care for neurological disorders, offering patients the comprehensive support they need.

What Are Neurologists?

A neurologist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Neurologists manage various disorders, from migraines and epilepsy to Parkinson's disease and dementia. They use various diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Signs You Need to Consult a Neurologist

Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for a neurologist's expertise is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here are six common signs that it’s time to consult a best neurologist and how they can help.

Headache

Everyone experiences headaches occasionally, but certain characteristics can indicate a more serious issue. If you experience headaches frequently, especially if they are accompanied by symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances, it's essential to consult a neurologist. Persistent headaches could signal an underlying neurological condition that requires specialized treatment.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a condition that lasts longer than the usual course of an injury or illness, often persisting for months or even years. It can stem from various sources, including nerve damage or disorders like fibromyalgia. If your chronic pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or weakness, it's time to see a neurologist. They can help identify the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Dizziness

Dizziness can manifest as vertigo—a sensation of spinning—or as disequilibrium, a feeling of unsteadiness. Both can be caused by neurological disorders affecting the brain's balance centers. If you experience frequent dizziness or have difficulty maintaining balance, a neurologist can diagnose the underlying issue and recommend treatments to alleviate your symptoms.

Numbness

Tingling or numbness can result from various causes, including simple issues like restricted blood flow or more serious conditions like neuropathy or stroke. If numbness occurs suddenly, persists, or affects one side of the body, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. A neurologist can determine the cause and provide treatment to prevent further complications.

Memory Problems or Confusion

While occasional forgetfulness can be normal, significant memory issues, confusion, or personality changes may indicate a neurological disorder. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia can impair cognitive function. A neurologist can perform tests to diagnose these conditions and develop a management plan to slow progression and improve quality of life.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movements. It primarily affects older adults and results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. While there is no cure, early diagnosis by a neurologist can help manage symptoms through medication, therapy, and sometimes surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation.

Specialized Care at Dr. Good Deed Clinic

At Dr. Good Deed Clinic, Dr. Chandril Chugh and his team provide specialized care for a range of neurological conditions. With support from neuroradiology, neurosurgery, intensive care, and pathology departments, they offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. For acute stroke patients, the clinic provides thrombolysis treatment, while those with spastic disorders can receive Botox therapy. The clinic also offers diagnostic tests like neostigmine testing for conditions such as myasthenia gravis.

Additional Resources

For more information on why regular neurological check-ups are essential, visit 10 Reasons To See A Neurologist Regularly. This resource provides valuable insights into maintaining neurological health and the importance of preventive care.

Conclusion

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier or have been diagnosed with a neurological condition, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a neurologist. The dedicated team at Dr. Good Deed Clinic is well-equipped to provide expert diagnosis and treatment, ensuring you receive the highest level of care.

FAQs

What symptoms should prompt a visit to a neurologist?

Symptoms such as persistent headaches, chronic pain, dizziness, numbness, memory problems, and signs of Parkinson's disease should prompt a consultation with a neurologist.

How does a neurologist diagnose neurological conditions?

Neurologists use a combination of patient history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests like MRI, CT scans, and EEGs to diagnose neurological conditions.

Can chronic headaches be a sign of a serious neurological disorder?

Yes, chronic headaches can indicate serious conditions like migraines, cluster headaches, or even brain tumors, and should be evaluated by a neurologist.

What is the role of a neurologist in treating Parkinson's disease?

Neurologists diagnose and manage Parkinson's disease, recommending treatments like medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical options like deep brain stimulation.

Is numbness always a neurological issue?

Not always, but persistent or sudden numbness can indicate a neurological issue such as neuropathy, stroke, or multiple sclerosis, requiring evaluation by a neurologist.

What treatments are available for chronic pain from a neurological perspective?

Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and other interventional procedures depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

by Dr Chandril Chugh

What Should You Do If Someone Is Having a Seizure?

In simple terms, a seizure is an uncontrolled electronic disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in your behaviour, movement, or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. If someone has 2 or more seizures that are 24 hours apart, at least, for unidentifiable reasons can be epilepsy. A seizure is caused due to various reasons like organ failure, a certain type of medication, electrolyte imbalance, hypersensitive encephalopathy, medical withdrawal. Factors that lead to a seizure or how often a seizure occurs or why it occurs at a particular time can be difficult to determine.

When we talk about general first aid for seizures, always remember to keep the patient comfortable and safe.

1. Never leave the person alone until the seizure is over: Seizures are unpredictable in nature; one can get injured as well, or get unconscious, so not leaving the person alone is of utmost importance.
2. Observe how long the seizure lasts: Be sure to observe how long the person takes to return to normal after the seizure.Consult a professional if the seizure lasts longer than usual for that person.
3. Stay calm: Remember to stay calm as the person going through it will also feel better and most seizures only last for minutes.
4. You can prevent injury by keeping objects out of the way: Keep all the sharp objects away if the person is at home or if he is at a public place keep away from a moving vehicle as it can be dangerous.
5. Make sure that the person is breathing fine: If the person is lying, turn him to the other side with his mouth towards the ground so that he can breathe and saliva doesn’t block the airway.
6. Never give the person anything to eat or drink until he is fully alert: A person during a seizure should not eat or drink as it can make him choke, so never put food or any pills while they are not aware.

EMERGENCY SEIZURE MEDICATION FOR CHILDREN

Treating a child with a severe seizure can be difficult in an emergency room because the seizures make him move a lot which in turn makes it difficult to undress him or give him an IV (intravenous drugs). So, a better option would be to give him drugs via the mouth and not rectally. A rectally given valium stops seizures within minutes especially when IV is not an option. Oral use of Midazolam can reduce further complications and lower the risk of death. Seizure symptoms among children can be lateralized tongue biting, the flickering of eyelids, dilated pupils with a blank stare, lip-smacking, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and post-ictal phase.

COMMON SEIZURE SYMPTOMS

1. Odd feelings, they are indescribable
2.  Unusual tastes and feelings, unusual experiences like feeling detached, out-of-body sensations and the body look or feels different
3. Feeling confused
4. Memory Lapses
5. Episodes of daydreaming
6. Jerking movement of arm, body, or leg
7. Falling
8. Headache
9. Tingling, numbness, or feeling of electricity in different parts of the body
10. Unexplained sleepiness, weakness, or confusion
11. Losing control of urine or stool unexpectedly

SEIZURE TREATMENT GUIDELINES

1. Put on gloves, if possible
2. Place something soft under the person’s head so that he cannot bang his head against the ground
3. Do not place anything in the person’s mouth
4. Loosen tight clothing, especially around the person’s neck
5. Do not try to restrain the person or use force on him
6. Call for an ambulance if the person stops breathing, if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, there are multiple seizures happening without the person regaining consciousness, if pupils are not equal in size after the seizure, if the person is injured, if the seizure occurs underwater.

When it comes to seizure treatment at home, avoid clutter, as it can be dangerous for even the people living there.

If you want to prevent seizures, you should know your triggers. The most common triggers are stress, anxiety or emotional issues, alcohol or drug abuse, and even the process of quitting them can cause seizures. Sleep deprivation and the exhaustion from it, change in medication or skipping a dose of anti-seizure drugs, something that over stimulates your senses like flashlights, working on a computer for long hours, hormonal changes in women, pregnancy or menstruation, and mental strain can be potential triggers. If you take notice of these changes, you can surely prevent a seizure.

Having a healthy diet, reducing your screen time, and sleeping well can take you a long way.

Treatment options for seizures are following a ketogenic diet, brain surgery, putting a vagus nerve stimulator in the chest. If you have had a seizure even just once, you are at risk of other episodes as well. You will have to work with your doctor and take some medications, make some lifestyle changes, and other preventive steps. When it comes to the seizure management protocol, ventilation is one thing that you should look into. To provide privacy to a person, during and after the seizure, timing the seizure is of utmost importance. Protecting from injury should also be a priority as we mentioned earlier. Remember that panicking is not an option.

If you are thinking about who to consult, consider Dr. Chandril Chugh who is an American-trained Stroke and Aneurysm Specialist. He is a gold medalist in MBBS and believes that a doctor’s job is not only to heal but to spread awareness as well. You can easily book an online consultation session. Talk to us about your disease and get your life back.

by Dr Chandril Chugh

5 Ways to Help a Loved One Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction

People generally have a similar reaction when a loved one is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. What does this mean? How do I cope?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease handicapping the central nervous system (including the cerebrum, optic nerves, and spinal line). Multi-zone scarring is a sign of multiple sclerosis. In Multiple Sclerosis, the immune framework goes after the myelin sheath that covers nerve filaments and causes correspondence issues between the human cerebrum and the rest of the human body. Myelin permits the nerves to direct electrical signals rapidly and productively. Myelin sheaths that deteriorate or weaken in multiple places can leave scars or sclerosis behind. Specialists call these regions lesions. As these areas of spots multiply, there are major to never fibres due to which the patient's body can not carry out certain functions.

In the long run, the infection can cause long-lasting harm or deterioration of the nerves. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis can lose their ability to walk independently or even at all.

This illness is more often diagnosed in females than in males. Globally, the National MS Society reports more than two million patients suffering from the disease.

Even though it tends to be hard to take in right away that your loved one or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, you are their caretaker and have to make them realize they should continue living their life to the fullest.

As of now, there is no proven remedy for Multiple Sclerosis.

There are no particular tests for multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Diagnostic tools like spinal taps, MRIs, multiple sclerosis blood tests, or evoked potentials are often used instead.

5 ways to multiple sclerosis patient care

1. Understand that there is a great deal of vulnerability with Multiple Sclerosis

As a caregiver, you have this unpredictable illness that may affect different patients. One day your loved one who has multiple sclerosis will feel fine, and the next day, they might have various complications. The vital factor in beating this is arranging, laying out schedules, planning, and having the capacity and eagerness to be adaptable as a guardian. Even when it comes to multiple sclerosis causes and symptoms, specialists say that never make assumptions that what you read or hear about numerous sclerosis patients will also be the case for your loved ones.

2. Be consistent with your treatment.

As a general rule, the best methodology is to treat any individual with a physical, neurologic issue as a solid and free individual equipped for navigation and taking care of oneself. Doing as such for your adored one to be freer is excellent for both of you. You might have to research gears like a ramp and wheelchair. A physical advisor can come to your place to recommend explicit changes. Design your house so that it becomes easy for them to get around. In this way, they will continue to serve in the role of confidant and socially active.

3. Keep yourself updated about the disease.

Few of the symptoms are easily visible, while other changes might be felt exclusively by the individual encountering multiple sclerosis. Therefore, listening to multiple sclerosis patient stories is necessary to educate yourself about the illness. Frequently ask your loved one who has multiple sclerosis about what they are going through and what all they wish that people taking care of them might be aware of the illness. It might be impossible for you to know the exact thing somebody with multiple sclerosis is going through. However, putting forth the attempt to attempt can have an enormous effect. Also, read articles and listen to the caregivers of other multiple sclerosis patients as they are experienced.

4. Assist them with the ordinary routine stuff.

It becomes a big challenge for patients with multiple sclerosis to do basic routine stuff like strolling, utilizing the restroom, cooking, and cleaning. Most Multiple sclerosis patients can facilitate care; however, they may eventually need assistance with transportation and household upkeep. Contingent upon your loved one's Multiple Sclerosis stages, you might need to assist with fundamental considerations like dressing them up, cooking and helping them to feed, toileting, and cleaning them from time to time. In the early stages, your loved ones might not require your assistance, but the gesture will significantly affect them. Keep them in the loop, so they know you are available if they need you in the future.

5. Always try to be adaptable and understanding.

Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis have great days and awful days, and these might even change in the middle of the day. The patients might even feel exhausted after a deep eight-hour sleep. Realizing that weariness can make it challenging for somebody you love to participate in exercises you had arranged, try to be OK if they drop on you.

Multiple Sclerosis patient care always requires being ready with a plan B if a terrible day happens.

Dr. Chandril Chugh is one of the most popular US-trained Neurologists. He has 16 years of experience in this field. He was the head of the Department of Interventional Neurology at Max Hospital, Saket, and is a prime supporter of Dr. Good Deed. He is also a member of AAN & SCCM. He is popularly known for his kindness and excellent assistance demeanor among his patients. Besides the fact that he takes incredible thought of his patient's wellness, additionally, he is awesome to talk with at each gathering.

Conclusion

When you're a caregiver, it's critical to deal with yourself. Work out consistently, eat well, and get a decent night's rest. Keep track of your and your loved one's medical care. Always be understanding and cooperative with them, and ensure that you are always with them whenever they need assistance. Have conversations with other caregivers to gain knowledge on the illness. Your help and care are the best treatment for your loved person with multiple sclerosis.

by Dr Chandril Chugh

Having Children After a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis

A person suffering from Multiple Sclerosis experiences damage to the central nervous system by affecting the nerves located in the brain and spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and handicapping sickness that generally begins in youthful adulthood and is twice as typical in females than males. This illness happens when the immune system assaults nerve strands and myelin sheathing. This assault causes aggravation, which annihilates nerve cell cycles and myelin.

Multiple Sclerosis is a deep-rooted infection, generally advancing to genuine and long-lasting incapacity, even though it can incidentally have just gentle side effects. Moreover, multiple Sclerosis is erratic and can go from harmless to handicapping.

Multiple sclerosis life expectancies of approximately twenty-five to thirty-five years after the finding of Multiple sclerosis is observed.

The disease is more common in countries of the Northern hemisphere.

Multiple sclerosis causes

A wide range of causes can lead to Multiple Sclerosis, including viruses, autoimmune disorders, environmental elements, and hereditary variables. Each of the potential causes shares the common component of the body's immune system going after sensory tissue. Myelin protects the electrical signs the sensory system uses to transmit. When obliterated, communication will have interference and delay. Specific sensory systems may be damaged permanently.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms and diagnosis

Different symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis may arise based on where the affected nerve fibers are located and how far the disease progresses. They might be depending upon the sensory system impacted. They show up in different mixes, might include problems like Judgment, Consideration, Memory, and Focus. To determine how multiple sclerosis affects the body in general, the following points should be noted:-

• Exhaustion
• Wooziness
• Issue with coordination
• Paralysis
• Obscured vision or twofold vision, etc.

You should seek medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. You may be advised to consult a neurologist or healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Multiple sclerosis cannot be diagnosed with a specific test. Instead, a differential diagnosis is used to analyze the disease. The medical services supplier will do a careful clinical history and an actual test as the initial moves toward finding Multiple Sclerosis. The neurologist may suggest you go to certain tests like MRI, lumbar puncture, blood tests, etc to know more about the spread of illness.

Multiple sclerosis treatment

Multiple sclerosis does not have a cure. However, treatment options can slow its progression and provide benefits. Additionally, you can get treatment to manage symptoms, deal with flare-ups or relapses, improve your safety and function. Restoration treatments, including active recovery, muscle relaxants, occupational treatment, discourse and gulping help, mental treatment, or assistive gadgets like supports, may likewise be helpful. Corticosteroids and plasmapheresis are considered treatments for Multiple sclerosis attacks.

Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy

Luckily, there is no appearance of speeding up the course or worsening the effects of Multiple Sclerosis in pregnancy. From a few pieces of research, doctors have observed that Multiple Sclerosis side effects decline in pregnancy. However, the impacts of the illness might make it physically challenging to convey a pregnancy. MS and pregnancy fatigue, weakness, and coordination issues may increase the probability of falls. Parents will need to closely monitor the mother's infection to the disease and the fetus's health during this period. If a mother has unrecognized Multiple Sclerosis, there are high chances of her being diagnosed with MS after pregnancy as during pregnancy be more likely to start having symptoms.

Issues that a woman with MS will have over one with not are:-

• Small-for-gestational-age baby.
• Difficulty in pushing out the baby during labor and birth.
• Mosty to give a cesarean birth.

Doctors have observed that women with Multiple Sclerosis mostly have c section delivery. Some theories suggest that labor is delayed due to muscle problems.

No settled treatment modifies the direction of multiple sclerosis. In any case, you might be given medications like steroids and anti-inflammatory medicines. So do consult your neurologists for more information. Pregnant women who have multiple sclerosis may need to undergo rehabilitation programs. This will depend on the symptoms of the mother. Some of them are listed below for your help:-

• Keeping up your freedom
• Restoring coordinated abilities
• Utilizing assistive gadgets
• Socializing
• Setting a suitable activity program to advance muscle strength, perseverance, and control.
• Overseeing bladder incontinence
• Getting mental retraining
• Adjusting the home climate for security and ease of use
• Getting friends and family involvement.

Dr. Chandril Chugh has been in the Neurology field for sixteen long years and is regarded as one of the top US-trained Neurologists. He was the head of the Department of Interventional Neurology at Max Hospital, Saket, and is one of Dr. Good Deed's most vocal supporters. He is also elected to be a member of SCCM & AAN. His kindness and excellent assistance demeanor make him popular among his patients. Furthermore, he is lovely to converse with at every meeting since he listens to his patient's problems. Dr. Chandril Chugh completed his MBBS and won a gold medal. His vision is to assist people improving their lives and, bit by bit arise as thought forerunners in the field of the health board.

Conclusion

According to research, women with multiple sclerosis do not have a significantly different rate of birth defects from those without numerous sclerosis in pregnancy, delivery, and conceiving. The only problem comes during labor, as the mother might not have pelvic sensation and may not feel torment with contractions. This may likewise make it difficult to tell when work begins. The side effects of MS might be dispatched for quite a while. Pregnant women with MS should inform their doctor as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment. Getting the proper clinical consideration can lead to having a healthy pregnancy and a sound child if the mother has Multiple Sclerosis.

by Dr Chandril Chugh

Is It Important To Take a Second Opinion Before Spinal Surgery?

When do you need to undergo spinal surgery? Is undergoing one necessary? Dr. Chandril Chugh, American trained stroke and Aneurysm Specialist discusses all the factors that come up in all our minds.

REASONS FOR SPINAL SURGERY

If a patient comes up with lower back or neck pain, we observe him for a while and suggest maintaining physical activity, in case it resolves on its own. If the pain does not resolve on its own, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Spinal problems can also be treated in a non-surgical way as well. Options like physical therapy, exercises, medication, and sometimes spinal injections are also recommended before surgery is resorted to. If a patient is not responding to non-surgical options and still experiencing a lot of pain then, we recommend surgery, especially for those who go through a weakness in limbs due to spinal cord or nerve root compression.

TYPES OF SPINAL SURGERY

Lumbar Decompression Surgery for Spinal Stenosis: Lumbar decompression surgery, also known as, lumbar laminectomy, is performed to correct the narrowing of the spinal canal, called spinal stenosis. The surgeon removes the lamina in the spine that is causing pain.  

A lumbar discectomy involves removing an injured disc in the lower back. An arthroscopic discectomy and an open spine surgery are both types of lumbar discectomy. Open spine surgery is more common.

Herniated Disc Surgery : In herniated disc surgery, the surgeon removes an injured part of the disc. In order to stop the pain from the disc, the surgeon may remove the disc and fuse the vertebrae together. Take the decision after getting a second opinion since spinal fusion makes it difficult to move the part that was operated on. The second opinion doesn’t hurt, ever. 

Spinal Fusion Surgery: As discussed above, it involves fusing two adjacent vertebrae together to avoid pain caused due to their movement against each other. The surgeon uses small screws and rods to fuse the vertebrae and then leave them to naturally heal and fuse. The surgeon can also use a bone graft from another part of the body to help the vertebrae to fuse.  

RECOVERY TIME

Recovery after discectomy is usually quicker, although you may feel numbness, pain, or weakness around the affected area.

When it comes to fusion surgery, it may take longer. It will take 3 to 4 months at least for the bones to recover and the process of healing will go on for a year. The length of surgery also depends upon your condition before surgery.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPINAL SURGERY

Anaesthesia risks: Spine surgeries are usually performed under general anaesthesia, intravenously to avoid pain during the surgery. Risks are rare but serious like death, heart attack, stroke, and brain damage. Complications may be caused because of other medical conditions. Please tell the medical team about tobacco use or if you or your other family members have ever had a reaction to anaesthesia. 

Bleeding: The surgeon employs techniques that minimise blood loss however, blood loss can still happen.  

Blood clots: After the surgery, the body’s clotting mechanism is super active to stop the bleeding caused by the surgery. Injury to the blood vessels around the affected site can cause clotting. Clots can occur during the first few weeks of surgery. Signs of a blood clot include swelling, tenderness or redness, and pain. 

Dural tear: It occurs when the thin protective covering around the spinal cord gets torn during the procedure. Most dural tears heal without incident. In case, the tear doesn’t heal the spinal fluid can leak out through the tear and can cause a spinal headache. If you feel a headache after surgery, tell your surgeon, chances are you might need a second surgery.  

Infection: The risk of infection after surgery is small. If the infection develops it is superficial, but it can spread to the deeper areas around the spinal cord and vertebrae. Common symptoms of infection include a red hot and swollen wound, pain, fever and chills, clear liquid or yellow pus coming out from the cut, a foul smell coming out from the wound site. Go to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.  

TAKE SECOND OPINION

The complications mentioned are rare but still, you should ask the surgeon about the risks associated with the surgery. In fact, take a second opinion as well. Knowing the risks beforehand allows you to weigh the pros and cons of whether undergoing surgery would be right for you. Taking a second opinion is best when the first surgeon wants a confirmatory opinion before going for the second surgery. When this is the case, let the surgeon choose the surgeon as he would choose the one whose opinion he would value the most. If the surgeon is unable to explain to you why you need surgery, his explanation seems vague or your personal goals don’t match, when it comes to the treatment, you should surely take a second opinion. Taking a second opinion is important when the first surgery did not work and the doctor is recommending another one. If the first surgery is not beneficial, then the second one would be helpful in very specific circumstances.

Online second opinion services are also an option especially when the doctor you want to consult is at a distance. The doctors look at your X-ray scan, MRI reports and then provide a second opinion. But there is one drawback, they do not get to evaluate you and your condition in person.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SPINE SURGEON

1. The surgeon should enlighten you about the pros and cons of undergoing surgery, and educate you about the process. He should describe to you what is technically possible about the potential benefits.

1. Patients often ask about whether the orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon should do their surgery. Each specialty has a different focus in training although both are equally trained to do the surgery. The orthopaedic surgeons are better suited for deformity and neurosurgeons are better in handling tumour cases. Both of these surgeons often work together in the operating room.  Your surgeon should be board certified in orthopaedic surgery or neurosurgery.

1. Last but not least, the number of years of experience that the surgeon has in the field of spinal surgery. A surgeon more experienced is going to have a way better technique while handling such a case than the one who does a spinal surgery occasionally.

In a nutshell, never ignore the symptoms and never avoid taking a second opinion.

by Dr Chandril Chugh

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome ?

Have you ever felt sudden weakness in your legs or arms that seemed to come out of nowhere? Or maybe you know someone who suddenly couldn't move their limbs properly and was rushed to the hospital? If yes, it might be something more serious than just fatigue or overwork. It could be Guillain Barré syndrome, a rare but serious autoimmune nerve disorder that can affect anyone, anytime.

In this blog, we will explain what Guillain Barré syndrome is, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and what recovery looks like. If you're searching for clarity and direction, you’re in the right place.

What exactly happens in Guillain Barré Syndrome?

When someone develops Guillain Barré syndrome, the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry signals from the brain to the body and back. When damaged, messages don’t get through properly, leading to muscle paralysis, tingling, or weakness.

Understanding the Breakdown:

• The immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves.
• This disrupts signal flow, leading to numbness or weakness.
• Sometimes the damage affects deeper nerve fibers, causing severe disability.

Types of Guillain Barré Syndrome:

• AIDP (Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy): Most common type in the US; starts in the legs.
• AMAN (Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy): Affects motor nerves only.
• AMSAN (Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy): Affects both motor and sensory nerves.
• Miller Fisher Syndrome: Starts with eye problems and unsteadiness.

These variations may affect how symptoms appear and how quickly the condition progresses.

Read: 4 Types Of Guillain Barre syndrome A Classification Guide

What causes Guillain Barré Syndrome?

Now let us have a look at the causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome:

This health problem is not age-specific, but it is most typical in individuals 50 years old or more geriatric. Although science has not come up with the exact cause of the disorder yet, it is believed that barre syndrome is caused by a few sicknesses that modify your nerve cells, so the resistant framework of your body begins to see them as dangers.

Others think that one of the causes of Guillain barre syndrome is the failure of your immune system to remember which cells it shouldn't assault. The problem generally seems to occur days or weeks after respiratory or intestinal system contamination.

The immune system of the body is the major GB syndrome cause.

To know various reasons by which the immune system can get incapacitated, which lead to Guillain barré syndrome is as follows :

• HIV/AIDS
• Flu
• COVID-19 OR ZIKA VIRUS
• Cytomegalovirus
• Trauma
• Surgery
• Mycoplasma pneumonia
• Childhood vaccinations
• Hepatitis A, B, C, and E
• Campylobacter

What are the early symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Early signs often start with mild tingling and slowly worsen. Recognizing the early symptoms of Guillain Barré syndrome can help you get medical help quickly.

What are the first warning signs of Guillain-Barré?

• Tingling and weakness in limbs (especially in the legs)
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Loss of reflexes
• Pain in the lower back

Nearly 60–80% of patients experience weakness in both legs first.

How do symptoms progress from mild to severe?

• Symptoms often move upward, from legs to arms
• Breathing problems if chest muscles get affected
• Heart rate or blood pressure changes
• Total muscle paralysis in severe cases

What are the red flags that need urgent care?

• Trouble breathing
• Inability to walk or move limbs
• Drooling or choking while eating

Timeline Table: Symptom Progression

Dr. Chandril Chugh is a dedicated stroke specialist. He went to extensive medical training in the United States of America. With over 16 years of experience in this field, he is well known for his empathy, honesty, and wonderful service attitude among his patients. He is currently positioned as a

Senior Consultant & Head – Interventional Neurology at Max Super Speciality Hospital situated in Saket, New Delhi. He is the best neurologist in the capital. The services offered by his team are on par.

Guillain barre syndrome diagnosis:

Guillain-Barré disorder is a very serious medical condition that requires quick hospitalization since it can deteriorate quickly. The sooner suitable treatment is begun, the better the opportunity for a healthy and better result. The signs and symptoms of Guillain barre syndrome relate to those of nervous system breakdowns, making it difficult for the medical practitioner to come to a conclusion. Certain tests can be conducted at the discretion of the doctor to confirm the GBS syndrome. Certain nerve conduction velocity tests and electromyography may also be suggested by the neurologist.

What is the best treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain Barré syndrome treatment options vary depending on the stage and severity.

What treatments help speed up recovery?

• IVIG therapy: Injected antibodies that block the immune attack.
• Plasmapheresis: Filters out harmful antibodies from the blood.

If started early, both can reduce the recovery time.

How effective is IVIG or plasmapheresis?

• Both are effective but must be started within 2 weeks.
• About 20–30% of patients may still need breathing support.

What supportive care is needed in a hospital?

• Breathing support (ventilator)
• Monitoring of heart and lungs
• Physical therapy
• Pain management

What are the stages and timeline of recovery in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Most patients start to recover after a few weeks, but full recovery can take months.

How long does it take to recover from Guillain-Barré?

• Recovery may start around week 4.
• 60–80% recover fully in 6 to 12 months.

What happens during the recovery phase?

• Strength slowly returns.
• Nerves heal, but very slowly.
• Some numbness or weakness may last.

What long-term symptoms may remain?

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Trouble walking

Recovery Timeline Table:

Can Guillain-Barré Syndrome come back?

Relapse is rare but can happen.

What are the chances of recurrence?

• About 5% of people may experience it again.

What should survivors watch for in the future?

• Tingling
• Fatigue
• Weakness in limbs

Always check with a neurologist like Dr. Chandril Chugh if any symptoms return.

Book Expert Consultation with Dr. Chandril Chugh

If you or your loved one is facing signs of Guillain Barré syndrome, do not wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.

Dr. Chandril Chugh is a US-trained, board-certified neurologist with vast experience in treating neuromuscular conditions.

Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, expert diagnosis, or just want to learn more, Dr. Chugh is here to help.

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FAQs

How do you catch Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Disease with Campylobacter, which causes looseness of the bowels, is one of the most well-known danger factors for GBS. Individuals likewise can foster GBS after a few different contaminations, like influenza, COVID-19, Epstein-Barr infection, and Zika infection.

What is the most common cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

GBS can be seen in any individual, but it is more prominent in people who have lived fifty years or more. Most commonly, this deadly syndrome can be easily caused by Campylobacter, which is widely circulated in most warm-blooded creatures.

Can you fully recover from Guillain-Barre?

Affirmative, the patients have reported that they recovered fully from this life-threatening syndrome within a year. Some individuals may have symptoms and signs again years afterward, but this is occasional.

Can alcoholism cause Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Yes, definitely. Studies have found that alcohol, when found with malnutrition in the patients, caused severe acute axonal polyneuropathy.

What happens in Guillain Barré syndrome?

The capacity to talk gets impacted in extreme instances of Guillain-Barré disorder. The chest muscles are impacted, making it difficult to inhale and exhale. Patients pass on due to difficulties, which can incorporate loss of motion of the muscles that control breathing, blood disease, or lung clumps.

by Dr Chandril Chugh