What Are the Differences Between MS and Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome are both autoimmune diseases where the protective myelin coverings of the nerves are attacked by one’s own immune system. Both conditions are considered inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the nervous system.

The causes for both are unknown. While there are treatments for both, there is also no cure for either disease.

They differ in that MS affects the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, which is the central nervous system. Lesions are scattered throughout areas in the brain and often affect the optic nerve causing impaired vision.

Guillain-Barré is the result of an attack on the peripheral nervous system by cells located near the peripheral nerve roots. The onset of Guillain-Barré is dramatic, with rapid demyelinating nerve impairment occurring within hours or days of being affected.

Who is affected:

MS occurs in 40-100 people out of 100,000 and in mostly Caucasian populations. Only one-tenth of those affected are Japanese.⁽²⁾

MS is uncommon in children under the age of 10 and mostly appears in those aged 20 to 55. Women are more often affected than men.⁽⁴⁾

Guillain-Barré is more rare. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke only 1 in 100,000 people have the disorder. It can affect people of any age and affects men and women equally. ⁽³⁾

How it develops and the symptoms:

MS symptoms may occur gradually, or develop then disappear, making it difficult to determine what is causing them.

Optic neuritis is a common first symptom as are impairments in speech, walking and memory. Patients may report difficulty with the bowel, bladder and sexual function.

There are four types of MS. The most common type is relapsing-remitting MS where the symptoms flare up and improve, unpredictably, for years.

Guillain-Barré is often preceded by a viral or bacterial infection, and its onset is sudden and serious. The most common first symptoms are weakness in muscles of the extremities, and possibly the respiratory muscles, affecting the ability to breathe. Ventilator support may be needed in the first stage of the illness.

Usually, the attack stabilizes days or weeks after the beginning of the illness, then the person slowly and gradually improves.

“About 30 percent of those with Guillain-Barré still have a residual weakness after 3 years. About 3 percent may suffer a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling sensations many years after the initial attack.”⁽³⁾

Treatments:

Treatments for MS are more effective for relapsing-remitting MS, to speed the recovery from attacks and slow the progression of the disease. There are no FDA-approved treatments for primary-progressive MS.

Treatments for attacks may involve plasmaphoresis and steroids. There are several oral and injectable drugs used to modify the progression of relapsing-remitting MS.

Additional therapies such as physical therapy and muscle relaxants may be tried as well as alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga and massage.

The main treatments for Guillain-Barré are plasmaphoresis and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy. It is thought that plasmaphoresis helps remove antibodies and other damaging immune factors from the blood. Immunoglobulin is thought to boost the level of proteins immune cells use to block an attack by intruding organisms.

Additionally, during the acute time of a Guillain-Barré attack, the use of a ventilator and other medical equipment may be required, so patients are usually hospitalized.

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues.

Edited by Jody Smith