THE CALL..
The phone rang in the evening.
It was from my mom.
She mentioned that she couldn’t feel her legs below the knees and had back pain. Her voice didn’t sound good.
She was in pain.
We rushed her to the hospital.
Preliminary tests were quickly conducted at **Egepol Hospital**, which has recently gained a lot of attention in Izmir for its services.
No damage was found related to the heart or brain. After rapid and efficient examinations, a transfer to **Ege University** was requested.
Following tests at Ege University, including an LP (lumbar puncture) to analyze spinal fluid and additional MR scans, combined with recent muscle weakness that developed after a viral infection with diarrhea, led us to a diagnosis.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
And the treatment is set to begin today…
What is this condition?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, causing muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, numbness, tingling, and can lead to temporary paralysis. While there is no definitive cure, the disease’s impact can be reduced.
It is a rare condition, seen in about 1 to 2 people per 100,000.
Approximately 85% of patients recover fully within 6 to 12 months. The likelihood of a relapse is very low, and the mortality rate is about 4% to 7%.
–What causes it?
The leading causes are infections and blood diseases, including:
- **Campylobacter** infection
- - Influenza virus
- - Cytomegalovirus
- - Epstein-Barr Virus
- - Zika Virus
- - Hepatitis A, B, C, E
- - HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
- - Trauma
- - Surgeries
- - Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- - Flu and childhood vaccinations
- - Coronavirus infection
How is it diagnosed?
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Diagnosing Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the early stages is quite challenging, as its symptoms are similar to other neurological disorders and vary from person to person. Your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical history and conducting thorough physical and neurological examinations. Some additional tests may be requested.
If your doctor suspects Guillain-Barré Syndrome based on the tests, they might perform extra tests to evaluate how well your muscles and nerves are functioning.
With **Electromyography (EMG)**, they can insert fine needle electrodes into the muscles to measure their activity or assess the speed of nerve signals using electrodes attached to the skin. They may also analyze the spinal fluid (CSF) to measure the protein levels. People with GBS tend to have elevated protein levels.
Treatment– Infusion (IVIG) and plasmapheresis, along with physical therapy.
Recovery statistics for Guillain-Barré Syndrome:
- Approximately 80% of people can walk independently after six months.
- - Motor function improves by about 60% within 12 months of diagnosis.
- - Around 5% to 10% may experience delayed or incomplete recovery.
- - Children who develop this condition tend to have less long-term damage compared to adults and the elderly.
In short, what happened to my mother once again highlighted the importance of early diagnosis. Predicting what will or may happen in every aspect…
Perhaps, as doctors, we are trained to act quickly. But this applies to every area of life.
What awaits us now will lead us to a disciplined life, bringing positive outcomes. This situation will, in a way, force my mother into a lifestyle necessary for her well-being, including exercise and self-care.
It’s important to stay away from undercooked food, especially in hot weather, as it can become even more dangerous.
The most effective way to prevent illnesses is to stay away from those who are sick.
And perhaps, even more importantly, investing in a life surrounded by those who love, respect, and care for you with affection.
Because then, even 10,000 km away, there will be people who care for your mother as if she were their own. People who will rush to your side with a single phone call… I’ve had days where I’ve been reminded of how many people love and support me. This is my story!
Every hardship is a lesson for those who see the beauty in it!
