We must not underestimate the signals that our body sends us from time to time. When we are not well, the cause may simply be a passing discomfort, but it is also possible that it is something serious.
For this reason, let’s not neglect our health but contact a doctor. He will be able to show us which analyzes to do, so as to understand the causes of the malaise. Furthermore, he will be able to prescribe the best treatments in case we are diagnosed with a pathology.
Today we are delving into one symptom in particular, which we could underestimate and simply consider a sign of fatigue. However, it may be hiding something worse. In fact, weakness in the legs and arms could be the symptom of this serious disease. Let’s see what it’s about.
The rare pathology
We refer to the Guillain Barré syndrome. It is a rare disease, which according to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità affects one in a hundred thousand people. This syndrome attacks the peripheral nerves, i.e. those that bind the brain to the rest of the body. It is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s nerve fibers. This syndrome is named after Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré, the two French neurologists who first described its symptoms.
It is not yet clear what is the trigger for this syndrome, but it could appear especially after an infection. A certain correlation has been observed especially with respiratory, alimentary or influenza A virus-related infections. This syndrome is not contagious.
Weakness in the legs and arms could be a symptom of this serious disease
The first symptom of Guillain Barré syndrome could be weakness in the lower and then upper limbs. Then it could get worse, eventually causing paralysis of these limbs and then touching other bodily functions. It may, therefore, be more difficult to breathe, swallow and speak. Typically, symptoms worsen for the first few weeks and then reach a steady state. In the worst cases you can risk your life.
By following the appropriate therapies, it should still be possible to recover within two months, in not too severe cases. For the worst syndromes, however, it can take months, with aftermath that could last years.
Our advice, in case of joint weakness, is to absolutely avoid a self-diagnosis. It will be the doctor who will understand if our condition is temporary or if it is linked to a more serious pathology. The key thing is to try to understand the triggers of the malaise in a timely manner, so as to act as soon as possible.
Instead, we recommend this article to those suffering from stress fatigue.