Fact 2: Triggers and Causes – The Unclear Path
Guillain–Barré Syndrome often sneaks up on its victims, emerging from the shadows of another illness. It’s commonly observed that GBS often follows a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. This has led scientists to believe that the syndrome may not be directly caused by the virus but might be a consequence of the body’s immune response to it.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone who has such infections will develop GBS. The mysterious aspect of GBS is trying to understand why only certain individuals are affected. Genetics? Environment? Random chance? The answers are still elusive.
Interestingly, in some cases, surgery or vaccinations have preceded the onset of GBS. This doesn’t imply that surgeries or vaccines cause GBS, but it underscores the syndrome’s unpredictable nature. The medical community is on a relentless quest to pin down these triggers and comprehend their association.
Knowing these triggers has paramount importance. While it might not directly lead to preventing the syndrome, it offers a glimpse into its onset. Early identification could mean quicker interventions, potentially mitigating the severity of the symptoms. (2)
