Guillain-Barre Syndrome: IVIG for a Rapidly Progressing Condition
GBS can move fast, sometimes causing significant weakness within days. IVIG is a frontline treatment that can shorten the course and limit the damage.
What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system, often triggered by a recent infection, mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. Symptoms typically start with tingling and weakness in the legs that can spread upward, sometimes progressing over just days to affect breathing muscles in severe cases.
Because GBS can worsen quickly, it's considered a medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation and treatment, not something to watch and wait on.
How infusion therapy helps
IVIG is one of the two frontline treatments for GBS (the other being plasma exchange), and works by modulating the immune response that's attacking the nerves, helping to shorten the illness and reduce the severity of nerve damage.
Treatment is typically given as a short, intensive course of daily infusions over about five days, most effective when started early in the course of the illness.
Recovering from Guillain-Barre syndrome?
Our physician-led team can coordinate IVIG therapy quickly alongside your neurologist.
Call (551) 336-5580This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment decisions should always be made with your physician based on your individual diagnosis and health history.