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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Cause Guillian Barre Syndrome With History Of Having Pneumonia?

Back in 1972, after having pneumonia for about a month, I came down with Guillian Barre Syndrome. I am really blessed though. I m now able to walk, talk, and even live on my own. I ve had alot of mental and physical prob- lems over the years, but I guess that s expected. I m just curious if any findings have been found over the years of what exactly causes it, and if doctors are any closer to curing it yet.
posted on Sat, 1 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Guillain Barre Syndrome occurs as the result of a person's immune system over-reacting to a protein found on a bacterial organism known as campylobacter jejuni which is found in the gut. The immune system identifies the protein of this bacteria as foreign and correctly targets it for destruction. However, it just so happens that the protein contained in the coverings of nerves (myelin) which control skeletal muscles is very similar to this foreign protein of the bacteria. The immune system then, MISTAKENLY begins attacking the myelin sheaths because of this error in recognizing the body as itself vs. a foreign invader. That is how GBS is initiated. There have been other advances in treatment since 1972, most notably the introduction and use of something known as IVIG. This makes treatment much easier compared to plasmapheresis which is what you may have gotten in 1972 although it is not known to be a significantly BETTER treatment. Nor is it cheaper. If anything it is probably more expensive. Glad you're better and recovered. Just avoid that C.jejuni critter if you can! All the best!
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What Could Cause Guillian Barre Syndrome With History Of Having Pneumonia?

Guillain Barre Syndrome occurs as the result of a person s immune system over-reacting to a protein found on a bacterial organism known as campylobacter jejuni which is found in the gut. The immune system identifies the protein of this bacteria as foreign and correctly targets it for destruction. However, it just so happens that the protein contained in the coverings of nerves (myelin) which control skeletal muscles is very similar to this foreign protein of the bacteria. The immune system then, MISTAKENLY begins attacking the myelin sheaths because of this error in recognizing the body as itself vs. a foreign invader. That is how GBS is initiated. There have been other advances in treatment since 1972, most notably the introduction and use of something known as IVIG. This makes treatment much easier compared to plasmapheresis which is what you may have gotten in 1972 although it is not known to be a significantly BETTER treatment. Nor is it cheaper. If anything it is probably more expensive. Glad you re better and recovered. Just avoid that C.jejuni critter if you can! All the best!