Blog

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome vs. Multiple Sclerosis

Patient with signs of Guillain-Barre or multiple sclerosis

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are both demyelinating autoimmune diseases. Though GBS and MS are different conditions, they also share some similarities, and both are chronic and lifelong nervous disorders with unknown causes. 

Get IVIG Copay Assistance

Speak to a Specialist
(877) 778-0318

In both conditions, the immune system, which is your body’s natural defense mechanism against potentially harmful microorganisms (bacteria and viruses), abnormally starts attacking the communication cells of your nervous system called neurons.

In particular, the immune system damages or destroys the protective layer called myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of the neurons. Myelin sheath primarily helps in rapid signal transmission from the nervous system to the rest of your body’s organs and vice versa. 

Damage to the myelin sheath breaks down the communication between the neurons and ultimately leads to progressive loss of all sorts of cognitive, motor, and sensory functions. 

GBS and MS seem similar, but there are notable differences that distinguish both conditions and help healthcare professionals advise different treatment approaches accordingly. 

Guillain Barre Syndrome vs. Multiple Sclerosis: Key Differences

GBS and MS can be distinguished based on their disease-targeted components, onset and trigger points, signs and symptoms, affected population, and treatment approach. 

GBS vs. MS: Disease-Targeted Components

Drawing of nervous system

In GBS, the immune system destroys the myelin sheath of the peripheral nervous system (a wide array of nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord). The function of peripheral nerves (PN) is to allow the brain to communicate with the rest of your body’s organs, like the heart, lungs, kidneys, muscles, etc. Damage to peripheral nerves leads to muscle weakness, numbness, or, in most cases, flaccid paralysis.

In contrast, in the case of multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system damages the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the cells producing myelin sheath. Since nerve damage is irreversible, it leads to impaired vision and movement disability. 

Get Your IVIG Dose

At-Home Infusion
Consult an IVIG Specialist

GBS vs. MS: Onset and Triggers Points

The onset of GBS symptoms is mainly preceded by bacterial or viral infections. Some of the possible triggering points include; vaccination, HIV or AIDS, cytomegalovirus infection, diarrhea caused by campylobacter, Hodgkin’s disease, or surgery.

Unlike GBS, MS is triggered by environmental factors, which include smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and genetic association. Although multiple sclerosis is not directly inherited, a person may be more likely to develop MS if they have biological relatives with MS. In other words, there is a genetic risk that might be inherited, and the heritability of multiple sclerosis has been estimated to be between 35% and 75%

Furthermore, some viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), measles, and herpes virus-6 can also trigger the onset of multiple sclerosis. These infections cause myelin inflammation.

GBS vs. MS: Early Signs and Symptoms

The most common and early signs of GBS are symmetric muscle weakness and tingling sensation in both legs. These sensations start from the feet and gradually move to the body’s upper part. In the worst case, it causes flaccid paralysis. 

When it comes to MS, the patient experiences blurred or double vision, mobility problems, loss of balance, speech problems, cognitive and emotional disturbance, fatigue, bowel problems, depression, and sexual dysfunctions.

GBS and MS symptoms become more aggressive over time if not caught early and treated. 

GBS vs. MS: Affected Population and Prevalence Rate

The risk of developing MS is three-fold higher in the female population than in males, with an expected age of onset between 20 and 40 years old. Approximately 2.5 million people have MS worldwide, while 400,000 cases are reported in the United States

On the other hand, GBS occurs in both males and females equally. But as you age, your risk of developing GBS increases. GBS is rare and affects only 1 out of 100,000 people annually, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke report. 

Can IVIG help?

Free IVIG Treatment Info
(877) 778-0318

GBS vs. MS: Treatment Options

Since there is no cure for GBS and MS, alternative treatment options are used to relieve pain and speed up recovery from the aggressive symptoms of these demyelinating conditions. 

The main treatment options for GBS include:

  1. High-dose IVIG treatment
  2. Plasma exchange

In contrast to GBS, MS is treated with steroid medication and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to reduce chronic symptoms and lessen the severity and frequency of relapses. 

REFERENCES:

  1. Sospedra, M., & Martin, R. (2005). Immunology of multiple sclerosis. Annual review of immunology23(1), 683-747.
  2. Willison, H. J., Jacobs, B. C., & van Doorn, P. A. (2016). Guillain-barre syndrome. The Lancet388(10045), 717-727.
  3. Goldenberg, M. M. (2012). Multiple sclerosis review. Pharmacy and therapeutics37(3), 175.
  4. Shahrizaila, N., Lehmann, H. C., & Kuwabara, S. (2021). Guillain-Barré syndrome. The Lancet397(10280), 1214-1228.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care. This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY Dr. Dara Bai Abacan, PharmD

Dr. Dara Bai Abacan, PharmD was born in Long Beach, CA. She graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2009, and has 13 years of experience as a pharmacist. After graduation, she worked at Walgreens Infusion Services (now Option Care), followed by Premier Infusion, where she was selected to be in charge of the specialty department. While at Premier Infusion, she learned about chronic therapies like IVIG, SCIG, and monoclonal antibodies. Later, she worked at KabaFusion, where she gained further clinical knowledge of IVIG and SCIG. Since joining AmeriPharma, she has developed expertise in many other therapies, including oncology and hepatitis. The most rewarding part of her job is talking to patients and providing excellent customer service and clinical information pertaining to their therapy. In her free time, she loves to practice meditation.

Contact Us

Use the HIPAA-compliant form below to request a refill of your prescription. If you have any questions about your medication or how to administer it, please visit the Contact Us page or call us at (877) 778-0318.

By submitting, you agree to AmeriPharma’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Notice of Privacy Practices