Raising Awareness of GAIN
Event Dates: Saturday 17th May 2025
Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm
FREE EVENT
GAIN (Guillain-Barré and Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies), is the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting people affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), CIDP, MMN, and other related inflammatory neuropathies. Whether you’re looking for advice, information, or just someone who truly understands what you’re going through, we’re here to help.
We can offer peer support, personal grants, online get togethers, and much more, so take time and explore what GAIN can do for you. Our support extends across the UK and Ireland, helping individuals and families navigate these rare but life-changing conditions.
Your support also helps us fund important research into these conditions, so please check out the fundraising opportunities available today!
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)? Guillain-Barré Syndrome (we just say GBS, but its pronounced ghee-yan bar-ray) is a rare but potentially life changing condition that affects the nerves outside of your brain and your spinal cord. These are your peripheral nerves. GBS impacts about 1,500 people in the UK every year. Anyone can get GBS, but you are more likely to get it if you are older, and more men get it than women. You can’t pass GBS on to anyone else.
Causes of GBS: We don’t really know what causes GBS, but people often get diagnosed with it after a viral or bacterial infection, or food poisoning. We think that what happens is that the body’s immune system (your body’s defence against infection and disease) tries to fight off an infection, and instead attacks your own nerves by mistake. This leads to the symptoms of GBS.
GBS Symptoms: GBS causes muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. Symptoms often start with tingling or weakness in the legs, which can then spread to the arms and upper body. In severe cases, GBS can lead to total paralysis, affecting breathing and other essential functions. Some people may need intensive care support, including being put on a ventilator.
Diagnosis of GBS: When most people have GBS symptoms, they contact their doctor, call 111, or go to A&E. As GBS is rare, many doctors may not have seen a case, so a Neurologist may be involved in diagnosis. An early diagnosis of GBS is really important to make sure people get the best treatment at the right time.
GBS Recovery: Everyone’s GBS journey is different, and recovery varies from person to person. Some may experience a full recovery within a few weeks or months, while others may have longer term weakness or other long-term complications. Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy can help with physical recovery, but many people will also need input with their emotional health to help cope with longer term impacts to their lives.
GBS Support: Guillain-Barré Syndrome can be life changing and have long term impacts, but for many people there is a good recovery. GAIN is here to support people and families impacted by GBS, offering information, advice, and guidance; providing practical support where it is needed; funding and undertaking research; and raising awareness. If you want to know more then you can read our blog series on GBS, or reach out to us, we are more than happy to support.
