On 8 Oct 1995, Michael Delaney wrote:
> does anyone know how to spell a disease pronounced gi AHM ber ay? what
> exactly is it and where might i find information about it? on the net?
>> thanks for your help.
> michael!
Michael,
I believe you are refering to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (there is an acute
accent mark [/] over the "e" in Barre, that my Email program will not
let me make). It is also known as Acute Idiopathic Polyneuritis. The
syndrome is characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the per-
ipheral nerves. Usually it begins with a rapidly progressing weakness
in the lower limbs, that spreads to include the upper limbs and
respiratory muscles. Paralysis can also be accompanied by changes in
sensation, or numbness in the affected limbs. The disease typically
takes from 1 to 3 weeks to reach its greatest extent, with recovery taking
as long as 6 to 6 months. Recovery is usually complete. The syndrome
usually (but not always) follows a viral infection (flu, measles,
mononucleosis, and hepatitis are sometimes associated with the
development of G-BS). It has also been associated with vaccination (the
Swine Flu vaccine in 1976 was responsible for many cases).
As for other sources of info, I would recommend that you find a decent
medical text at your local library, or ask your physician. I don't know of
any site on the 'net, but there probably are some.
Peter Charles, PhD
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology)
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
