5. Physical Trauma: The Body’s Unforeseen Reactions
Physical trauma, be it from accidents or other injuries, jolts the body in more ways than one. Beyond the immediate physical damage, these traumas can sometimes be the precursors for GBS. But how?
The body, post-trauma, enters a heightened state of alert. This hyper-vigilant phase is marked by a surge in immune responses. Occasionally, this surge might overshoot, leading to unintended attacks on the nervous system.
Additionally, trauma often leads to localized inflammation. This inflammation, while crucial for healing, can sometimes spill over, affecting peripheral nerves. This spillover, in certain instances, can pave the way for GBS.
The psychological stress post-trauma also plays a part. Stress hormones, released in abundance post-trauma, have myriad effects on the body, including modulating immune responses. This modulation, in some cases, can tilt the balance, leading to GBS. (5)
