Treatment Options
There are currently several Guillain-Barre syndrome treatment options:
- Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy
- Medication therapy
- Occupational and physical therapy
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Speak to a SpecialistPlasmapheresis
Plasmapheresis is a plasma exchange procedure that uses a machine to separate attacking antibodies from a person’s blood. Once these antibodies are removed, the blood is returned to the body.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG Therapy)
Immunoglobulin therapy is often given to patients to help treat antibody deficiencies or conditions where a patient has harmful antibodies in their blood, such as with autoimmune diseases or antibody deficiency conditions.
IVIG is a treatment made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies that can help decrease the harmful antibodies and prevent them from damaging the body’s nerves. This therapy is administered directly into the patient’s veins (intravenously) as directed by your doctor.
Medications
Pain medications may be administered to ease pain caused by GBS. If the patient is experiencing paralysis or is immobile, the doctor may also prescribe drugs to prevent blood clots.
Ask About IVIG Home Infusion
Occupational and Physical Therapy
To prevent the arms and legs from becoming immobile and remain flexible, the doctor may recommend the movement of arms and legs through occupational and physical therapy.
Conclusion
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a manageable disease if not overlooked and is promptly diagnosed and treated. With the treatments mentioned above, symptoms can be carefully monitored and treated accordingly to severity based on each patient’s clinical status.
