1st June is National Awareness Day for GBS & CIDP.

GBS & CIDP are illnesses of the body's Nervous System and although rare can affect anyone, regardless of age or, gender. They seem to be related to an autoimmune response following an infection.

Messages pass along nerve pathways and this system can be likened to an electrical circuit. When wires are stripped of their coloured plastic cover, they loose their insulation. The connections are then interrupted, sparks fly and the result is poor or zero power! The sheath encasing the peripheral nerves acts like the plastic coat on a wire and allows impulse transmission. In GBS & CIDP specialized cells in that sheath become damaged and cause impaired nerve conduction leading to the symptoms of these two illnesses.

GBS starts very suddenly with muscle weakness and abnormal sensations. Paralysis follows - predominantly of the arms, legs and face. Respiratory complications are common, as the muscles cannot respond without nervous system messages. In the acute phase untreated, the illness can be fatal. Many patients require intensive care during the early stages. Although most people recover it can take months, and some may have long-term disabilities of varying degrees.

CIDP is on going and increasingly painful and debilitating. The first symptoms may be vague and confusing and in the early stages it may be difficult for the patient to persuade people that there is anything physically wrong. Tingling (pins and needles) or loss of feeling (numbness) can start in the toes and fingers or weakness may make the legs feel heavy and wooden. Arms may feel limp and hands cannot grip or turn things properly. These symptoms may remain mild and result in only minor disruption of normal life. Alternatively they can worsen over a period of several weeks, months or sometimes even years.

Support Groups for these conditions exist in each State of Australia as well as in UK, USA & NZ. One of the main purposes of each group is the support of sufferers and their families. If you want to know more you can contact your local Support Group through the following Web Sites.

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~ingroup/news22.htm

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~guillain/index.htm

http://www.gbstasmania.asn.au

Or write to Ro Harré at PO BOX 321, Malanda, QLD 4885, phone 074095 1311

E-mail Address - rohar@austarnet.com.au