Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages the nerves, causing muscle weakness or tingling sensations in the legs and sometimes paralysis. The causes of Guillain-Barré are not fully understood, but it is believed that stimulation of the body’s immune system may play a role in its development.


Progression

Guillain-Barré usually occurs a few days or weeks after a person has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally, surgery will trigger the syndrome, and in rare instances, vaccinations may increase the risk of the syndrome.

The symptoms associated with Guillain-Barré can last for a few weeks or go on for several months. Most people reach the stage of greatest weakness within the first two weeks after symptoms appear and are at their weakest by the third week of the illness.

Recovery

The recovery period for individuals with Guillain-Barré may be as little as a few weeks or as long as a few years. About 30 percent of those with Guillain-Barré still have residual weakness after three years. About 3 percent may suffer a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling sensations many years after the initial attack.

There is no known cure for Guillain-Barré, but therapies can lessen the severity of the illness and accelerate the recovery in most patients.

Leg orthoses can help restore mobility for individuals with Guillain-Barré. The products below are fitting examples. Whether a product is suitable for you and whether you are capable of exploiting its full functionality depends on many different factors. Your physical condition, fitness, and a detailed medical examination are all factors. Your doctor or orthotist will decide which product would be the most suitable for your condition. We are happy to support you.



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