While most individuals diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) will fully recover from their symptoms over time, certain long-term risks are associated with the disorder. Learn more about these risks and one important option for covering the associated costs.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), approximately one in three individuals diagnosed with GBS will experience lingering effects after three years, while approximately one in 30 will experience relapses over time. Complications from GBS also can lead to permanent disabilities, and prompt treatment is critical to reducing the risk of these complications.
Long-term care for any medical condition is expensive, and GBS is no exception. Fortunately, a government program is specifically designed to help individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related illnesses, including GBS.
Long term effects of GBS include:
1. Residual Effects
One of the primary long-term risks associated with GBS is the possibility of patients experiencing residual effects from their disorders. Because GBS has no known cure, treatment focuses on combatting the body’s autoimmune response and managing symptoms, and for some individuals this simply is not enough. Potential residual effects of GBS include:
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty with bowel movements and bladder function
- Increased or decreased blood pressure
- Lingering sensory abnormalities (lack of sensation or abnormal sensations, such as burning or tingling)
- Lingering weakness or numbness
2. Relapse
Due to the lack of a cure for GBS relapse is also a concern, though the rate of relapse is fairly low (around three percent according to NINDS). Individuals diagnosed with GBS have experienced relapses of muscle weakness and sensory symptoms years after their initial recoveries.
3. Permanent Disability
GBS can cause damage to a variety of body systems, occasionally leading to long-term disabilities. The most common long-term consequences of GBS are:
- Complications from respiratory dysfunction
- Paralysis
Advanced patient age, rapid progression of symptoms, and delayed treatment are known risk factors for these conditions. However, anyone diagnosed with GBS is potentially at risk for these and other long-term complications.
Covering the Costs of Long-Term Care for GBS
For individuals and families facing long-term effects of GBS, financial relief may be available through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that has paid billions of dollars to individuals with vaccine-related illnesses and injuries (including GBS), and legal representation for VICP claims is available at little or no financial cost to you. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with GBS following a flu or tetanus vaccination, learn more about how to file a claim under the VICP.
GBS Vaccine Lawyer | Legal Representation for Vaccine Lawsuits Nationwide
Located near the vaccine court, GBS Vaccine Lawyer provides experienced legal representation for vaccine lawsuits nationwide. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with vaccine-related GBS in the last three years, we can help you enforce your rights under the VICP. To get started with a free, no-obligation consultation, call GBS Vaccine Lawyer at (202) 775-9200 or tell us about your situation online today.