Question:
My doctor believes that

I went to the doctor last week. In December i had Guillion Barre syndrome. He thinks the weight loss surgery caused me to get this and its all due to a vitamin deficiency. I now take massive doses of vitamin B complex, amino acids blah, blah, blah. BUT IT WAS STILL WORTH IT. I would do it all over again. Does anybody have any info on this    — snicklefritz (posted on July 28, 2000)

July 27, 2000
My understanding is that Guillan Barret is caused by a viral attack on the nervous system I have never, ever heard of it being caused by a vitamin deficiency. Perhaps your doctor feels that your immune system was impaired because of malnourishment, therefore making you more prone toward whatever virus set off the syndrome.
   — Meli ..

July 28, 2000
Here's what I found: Guillian-Barre's syndrome is a peripheral neuropathology, in other words, an affliction of the peripheral nervous system (as opposed to the central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal column). It is a de-myelinating disorder, in which the body's immune system actually attacks the nerves, stripping them of their outer coating, or myelin. It generally starts at the extremities, the hands and feet, and spreads distally, that is, toward the torso area. It is rare, affecting only one in 100,000 people. It affects those over 40 more often than younger persons, men more often than women, and whites more often than non-whites, but virtually anyone can get it. It is not known to be communicable or inherited, and the exact cause is still unknown, though there are a number of common antecedent events that seem to trigger it, including vaccinations, respiratory infections, and herpes simplex infection. The most well-known outbreak followed mass vaccinations against Swine Flu in the 1970s. The disease itself is rarely fatal. The most danger comes from the chance of respiratory failure, since the nerves that control breathing can be affected. Other dangers are related to concomitant dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. This can lead to aspiration of fluids and choking or even pneumonia. If untreated, GBS often leads to total paralysis, and require the sufferer to be put on a respirator. Even untreated, it will eventually recede, though it may take many months. The progress of the disease can often be reversed and recovery accelerated by plasmapharesis, in which the patient's blood is withdrawn, run through a centrifuge, and the white blood cells removed. Chances for recovery are good for most persons. Often, there will be lingering neuromuscular affects, such as numbness or a "dropped foot", and occasionally more debilitating symptoms. The younger and more healthy the person, the better his chances of recovery. I wish you the best in your recovery.
   — [Deactivated Member]