Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Its Variants

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological illness that occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves in their body. The disorder may be triggered by infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, or Influenza virus, or after getting vaccinated. In addition, GBS usually affects the person’s hands, upper body, limbs, and feet and may cause various problems such as weakness, severe pain, and numbness. However, there are several variants of this neurological disorder. 

At Vaccine Injury Pros, we have the experience needed to guide and represent clients in their vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Our highly skilled vaccine injury attorneys can enlighten you about the symptoms and variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome, figure out the scope of your injuries, and explore your available legal options to seek damages. If you’re seeking legal assistance for a vaccine injury claim, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Located in Sious City, Iowa, we’re proud to serve clients across the United States. 

What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? 

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder that occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their peripheral nervous system – nerves outside the person’s spinal cord and brain. GBS is common among males and adults who are at least 50 years of age. The condition is often characterized by muscle weakness, numbness, and persistent pain. If not treated at once, GBS may result in paralysis. 

What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome? 

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be triggered by various causes and factors—which further speaks to the complex nature of the disorder. Some common causes and triggers of GBS include: 

• Influenza vaccine 

• Flu vaccine 

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 

• Hepatitis A vaccine 

• Hepatitis B vaccine 

• Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) 

• Other vaccines 

• Infection with Campylobacter (Campylobacter jejuni) 

• Diarrhea or a respiratory illness 

• Influenza virus 

• Mycoplasma pneumonia 

• Epstein Barr virus 

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) 

• Zika virus 

• HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) 

• Shingles 

• Viral infections 

• Mycoplasma pneumonia 

• Varicella 

• Hepatitis A, B, C, and E 

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome 

Some common signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include: 

• weakness or tingling in the legs and other limbs 

• loss of deep tendon reflexes 

• paralysis 

• difficulty in breathing 

• blood pressure & heart functions 

• difficulty in speaking 

• difficulty in walking without help 

• severe or persistent pain 

• difficulty in urinating 

• constipation 

• muscle weakness 

• double or blurred vision 

• problems with chewing or swallowing 

• issues with coordination and balance 

• tingling in the upper body and arms 

• numbness 

When these symptoms lead to a prompt diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome, you can start receiving treatment immediately and begin your recovery journey. 

Variants of Guillain-Barré Syndrome 

In the realm of Guillain-Barré syndrome, there exist several distinct variants, each presenting its own set of symptoms and challenges. The following is an overview of some of the variants of GBS: 

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)  

This is a variant of GBS that is usually characterized by sensory symptoms, including pain and tingling. The patient may also experience weakness in the limbs, arms, and legs. 

Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)  

This is a GBS variant that usually affects the axons of the nerve cells. If promptly diagnosed and treated, the patient will have an increased prospect of fully recovering. 

Miller-Fisher Syndrome (MFS)  

This GBS variant is characterized by paralysis of the eye muscles, reflex limitations, and lack of coordination. If not treated immediately, the patient may suffer respiratory failure. 

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)  

This is one of the most severe variants of GBS. Patients may experience weakness and sensory impairment. Also, CIDP may later cause paralysis and physical limitations. 

Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial Variant

This GBS variant is often characterized by loss of reflexes and progressive weakness in the upper limbs. 

Bickerstaff’s Brainstem Encephalitis (BBE)

This GBS variant is very common among adults. It is often characterized by loss of motor control, loss of reflexes in the lower limbs, and drowsiness. 

Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN)

This GBS variant is often characterized by sensory symptoms, including tingling and pain. Also, patients may suffer weakness in the arms, limbs, and legs. However, recovering from AMSAN may be more challenging compared to AIDP. 

Acute Panautonomic Neuropathy 

This is an extremely rare variant of GBS. The patient may experience blurred vision, sensory limitations, dry eyes, and cardiovascular issues. 

If you’re experiencing GBS symptoms after a vaccination, getting prompt medical treatment is crucial. A medical professional can diagnose your condition, determine the GBS variant, and recommend the necessary treatment. Also, your legal counsel can handle your GBS claims and help you seek fair financial compensation. 

Your Rights After a Guillain-Barre Syndrome Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome can be emotional and unsettling. However, you’re not alone. If you believe that your condition is connected to a vaccine that you received recently, you may be entitled to recover damages. A trusted vaccine injury attorney can enlighten you about your options to pursue compensation and help protect your legal rights. 

Over the years, our skilled lawyers at Vaccine Injury Pros have successfully helped our clients recover millions of dollars in settlements. Using their in-depth legal understanding, our attorneys can walk you through the often-complicated procedures involved in filing vaccine injury claims and seeking damages. Above all, we will advocate for your best interests and help you recover the maximum available financial compensation. 

Have you been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome after getting vaccinated? Contact us at Vaccine Injury Pros today to schedule a simple case evaluation with experienced vaccine injury attorneys. Our dedicated lawyers can help you in every phase of the vaccine injury claims process and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. We proudly serve clients throughout the United States.