Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a medical condition for which there is currently no known cure. However, treatment options are available, and with treatment many people make a complete recovery.
For individuals diagnosed with GBS, the long-term prognosis is obviously a primary concern. Can you completely recover from GBS? What does recovery look like? Will you need to manage your health in the years or decades to come?
While the long-term outlook for individuals diagnosed with GBS depends on the specific variant diagnosed, many find that a full and complete recovery from the symptoms of GBS is possible. For most individuals, the risk of relapse is low. With the proper treatment, many individuals diagnosed with GBS go on live healthy and happy lives, completely free of GBS or its symptoms. Some patients, however, experience permanent effects, often due to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment, and those who experience relapses will need to adopt long-term strategies for treating and coping with the symptoms of their disorder.
Recovery from GBS: What to Expect
Due to the progressive onset of GBS, the recovery process also is generally slow. Once symptoms stabilize, recovery can take anywhere from weeks to years, with most individuals recovering within six to 12 months. However, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), approximately one in three individuals diagnosed with GBS experiences residual weakness for three years or longer. NINDS also notes:
“Guillain-Barre syndrome patients face not only physical difficulties, but emotionally painful periods as well. It is often extremely difficult for patients to adjust to sudden paralysis and dependence on others for help with routine daily activities. Patients sometimes need psychological counseling to help them adapt.”
Individuals diagnosed with GBS should seek prompt treatment and see specialists as necessary, as well as seek legal advice about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Keys to Improving the Chances of a Complete Recovery from GBS
- Know When to Be Concerned about GBS. While the cause of GBS remains unknown, doctors and researchers have identified certain risk factors for GBS. Understanding factors that may lead to GBS, including flu and tetanus vaccinations, can be critical to seeking prompt treatment when necessary.
- Know the Symptoms of GBS. Individuals who may be at risk for GBS should familiarize themselves with the symptoms.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention. Individuals experiencing symptoms of GBS, particularly after a flu or tetanus vaccination, should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Anyone concerned about GBS should inform a doctor of recent vaccinations and make sure the doctor is familiar with the variants of GBS.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan. Certain treatment options have proven to be effective for GBS, and patients should stick with their treatment plans in the weeks and months following their diagnoses.
- Address the Financial Costs of Your Treatment. Individuals diagnosed with GBS following a vaccination may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering through the VICP. Filing a vaccine lawsuit can be critical to making a complete economic recovery following your illness. At GBS Vaccine Lawyer, legal fees and costs are paid for by the court and not by you. So you will never owe us any money for the representation of your claim.
Seek Financial Compensation for Vaccine-Related GBS
If you would like more information about how GBS Vaccine Lawyer can pursue financial compensation for vaccine-related GBS at little or no financial cost to you, please contact us for a free consultation. We handle VICP claims nationwide, so call (202) 775-9200 or request a consultation online today.