Treatment

Treatmentfor Guillain-Barr syndrome can help reduce the symptoms and speed up recovery. Most people are treated in hospital and usuallyneed to stay in hospital for a few weeksto a few months. The main treatments are outlined below. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) The most commonly used treatment forGuillain-Barr syndrome is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). When you haveGuillain-Barr syndrome, the immune system (the body's natural defences) produces harmful antibodies that attack the nerves. IVIG is a treatment made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies. These are given tohelp stop the harmful antibodies damaging your nerves. IVIG is given directly into a vein. Most people need treatment once a day for aroundfive days. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) A plasma exchange, also called plasmapheresis, is sometimes used instead of IVIG. This involves being attached to a machine that removes blood from a vein and filters out the harmful antibodies that are attacking your nerves before returning the bloodto your body. Most peopleneedtreatment every other day for a week or two. This may include: abreathing machine (ventilator) ifyou're having difficulty breathing a feeding tube if you have swallowing problems painkillers if you're in pain being gently moved around on a regular basis to avoid Pressure ulcers and keep your joints healthy a thin tube called a catheter in your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) if you have difficulty peeing laxatives if you have constipation medication and/or special leg stockings to prevent blood clots Once you start to improve, you may also needextra support to aid your recovery.