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Which are the causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

See some of the causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome according to people who have experience in Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes

Causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome


Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis. While the exact cause of GBS is still unknown, several factors have been identified as potential triggers for the development of this condition.



Infections


Infections are considered the most common cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The body's immune system, in response to an infection, mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. The most frequently associated infections include:



  • Campylobacter jejuni: This bacterium is commonly found in undercooked poultry and contaminated water. It is estimated that around 40% of GBS cases are preceded by a Campylobacter infection.

  • Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections: Infections caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and influenza have been linked to GBS.

  • Zika virus: In recent years, the Zika virus has been identified as a potential trigger for GBS. This mosquito-borne virus has been associated with an increased incidence of GBS in areas where outbreaks have occurred.



Vaccinations


Vaccinations have been implicated as a potential cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, although the risk is extremely low. In rare cases, certain vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine, have been associated with an increased risk of GBS. However, it is important to note that the benefits of vaccination in preventing serious illnesses far outweigh the minimal risk of developing GBS.



Autoimmune Response


Guillain-Barre Syndrome is believed to involve an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own peripheral nerves. It is thought that a viral or bacterial infection triggers this abnormal immune response, leading to the development of GBS. The immune system produces antibodies that target the peripheral nerves, causing inflammation and damage.



Other Factors


While less common, several other factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome:



  • Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop GBS than women.

  • Age: GBS can occur at any age, but it is more common in adults and older individuals.

  • Medical procedures: Certain medical procedures, such as surgery or bone marrow transplantation, have been linked to an increased risk of GBS.

  • Genetics: Although rare, there may be a genetic predisposition to developing GBS in some individuals.



It is important to note that while these factors have been associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, the majority of individuals who experience these triggers do not develop the condition. GBS remains a rare disorder, and further research is needed to fully understand its causes and risk factors.


Diseasemaps
23 answers
GBS is caused by an autoimmune response. This is often in response to a viral infection (flu or gastro), or following surgery. Many GBS survivors claim that they became ill following the flu shot.

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by AM 1211
Viruses, flu shots, infections, and I don't think anyone really knows. They were never able to tell me what caused mine. I also heard childbirth also causes BBS.

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by james ventura 1501
You can get it from being sick with diarrhea or a respiratory illness, you can also develop GBS after having the flu or other infections and after getting a vaccination. Some people are just more sensitive the others.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Totta 1181
I got GBS after my mandatory flu shot for work. About 2 weeks after I got the shot I started experiencing symptoms of pins and needles in my hands and feet and severe lower back pain. It took my 3 more weeks of intense pain before I saw my doctor.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Gabrielle 600
no one will admit they know the( only)cause or causes of gbs, but it is well known that the Flu vaccine has been responsible for 18of the G20 Countries creating a vaccine compensation program for those injured oe die after having had a vaccine. The injured individual would know better than any one in most cases as to what they injested? ie,food, environment they got sick? The infetion that may have stimulatrd the body to react in the way it did??

Posted May 9, 2017 by Bob 1650
Bacteria infection vaccinations process foods

Posted Sep 3, 2017 by James 2825
I got my GBS from a Tetanus shot . Was also told I can get it from eating not fully cooked chicken

Posted Sep 9, 2017 by Amy 500
Virus...unknown how its contracted.

Posted Sep 9, 2017 by Barb 1100
No one is sure. Some things could be flu shots or even the flu itself

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Connie 2000
Infections , possibly from undercooked chicken

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Rex McKinley 1200
The cause for GBS can come from many different ways.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Debra 2000
There are surely more triggers for GBS than are known / documented, which is why it is considered a syndrome, rather than a disease which has better known causes. A frequent cause is the body's' response to an inoculation, like a flu shot. Other's like myself are caused by exposure to the campylobacter bug present in raw chicken. Often, the onset is preceded by an upper respiratory infection. Zika virus has been linked to the onset. The trigger agents are too numerous to mention, & the list is ever-growing with time.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Denny 2300
It is unknown at this time. There are theories but none have been proven.

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by John 2070
Many and varied.
Flu shots and other vaccinations
Viruses
Surgery
Pregnancy
to name but a few

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Kath Donaldson 2065
I don’t know if they (the medical field) even know what causes Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

I have heard several different things: hereditary, from shots, from an infection.

I just know that this disease is as individual as they come. In my experience, everyone that I have talked to over the years has had a different story, but with an all too familiar and sad ending. But also with them, I’ve also heard so many stories of triumph and happiness having beat this disease!! So don’t you ever lose faith!!

Posted Sep 8, 2019 by Tara32473 2570
Types of Intestinal infections can cause this, food poisoning and as in my case, flu shots have been known to cause GBS

Posted Sep 9, 2019 by Joe Wojtanowski 2500
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Are several, can be due to stress, low defenses, etc

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Adriana 1000
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The cause is not known until today, but they are related to previous viral infections

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Carolina 1100
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I think that is not even the ham determined

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Marta 2000
Translated from portuguese Improve translation
I have heard many reports, vaccines ( as was in my case), infections such as ear, throat, diarrhea , tbm and stress, people who are under the influence of stress can trigger the SGB.

Posted Sep 14, 2017 by RARIANA 1500
Translated from french Improve translation
It is the immune system that is disturbed due to a virus or an accumulation of health problems.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Nicolas 3560
Translated from spanish Improve translation
I would like to know also. So many theories, no specific answer.

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Myrna Henriquez 200

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Nincs jó az angol tudásom, így néha segített a google.   NOS, AZ ÉN TÖRTÉNETEM GBS:   Elmúlt 26 márciusban, amikor mentem a lábam egy budapesti kórház. Mielőtt 1 hét 1 nap, éreztem a torkomban fáj, és talán láza van. Nem fog...

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Guillain-Barre Syndrome forum

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME FORUM
Guillain-Barre Syndrome forum
I dont know if I can get it. Can any one help me?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome forum
Would I be able to get the TDAP shot or is it as risky as getting the flu shot?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome forum
Has anyone else had recurrent GBS? According to minimal research available, it is more prevalent in younger patients. That would be consistent with my history of being diagnosed at 7 years old and again at 11 years old.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome forum
I would like to know if Zika Virus and Guillain Barre Syndrome are related. Does Zika virus infection can cause Guillain Barre syndrome?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome forum
Many people have suggested me to be positive even when you have a real reason to be negative... Some people recommends me to do meditation, yoga or similar stuff... but sincerely I dont feel like. does it happens to you?

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