Mumbai: A 64-year-old woman from Andheri East, Mumbai, has fully recovered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after weeks of intensive treatment at Seven Hills Hospital. She was admitted in January 2025 after experiencing fever and diarrhea for two weeks, followed by ascending paralysis. Her condition required intensive care, but after successful treatment, she was discharged on Friday, as per reports.
Meanwhile, Mumbai recorded its first GBS-related death on February 12, bringing Maharashtra’s total fatalities from the disease to eight. The deceased, a 53-year-old ward boy from BMC’s B N Desai Hospital, was admitted to Nair Hospital in critical condition. He was placed on a ventilator but could not survive.
According to the civic health department, GBS is a rare but known neurological disorder. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, often following a bacterial or viral infection. The condition is not contagious, but certain infections, vaccinations, or surgeries can trigger its onset.
What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome affects about one in 100,000 people annually, with major hospitals in Mumbai treating a few cases every month. While it can occur at any time of the year, health officials emphasize that awareness and early detection are crucial for managing symptoms effectively.
The disorder primarily impacts nerves that control muscle movement and sensory functions such as touch, temperature, and pain. This leads to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Without timely medical intervention, complications can arise, sometimes proving fatal.
Experts state that while there is no specific cure for GBS, treatments such as plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapy can help speed up recovery. Supportive care, including physical therapy, is also crucial in restoring mobility and muscle strength.
Health officials urge people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like persistent weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty in movement following an infection.
