Timely and right diagnosis helps GBS patient regain mobility at Zulekha Hospital Dubai

A 85-year-old patient has recovered successfully at Zulekha Hospital, Dubai after being treated for Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves usually following a vaccination or infection. It is known to cause weakness of limbs, imbalance or tingling sensation with or without respiratory paralysis

The patient Mr. Bhaskaran Sukumaran was first taken to another hospital in Dubai after experiencing walking difficulties. He was diagnosed and treated for a stroke and discharged without improvement. His condition worsened at home, and he was unable to sit or move. He was then brought to the Emergency Department at Zulekha Hospital Dubai.

Dr. Shyam Babu, Consultant Neurologist at Zulekha Hospital, examined the patient in emergency and suspected GBS, a neurological autoimmune condition. “This was not a routine case of GBS,” due to which the diagnosis was difficult in earlier visit as he had a presentation like stroke with imbalance and differential weakness said Dr. Shyam “Mr. Bhaskaran had several factors that affected recovery, including age more than 80, uncontrolled diabetes, rapid progression of symptoms, and treatment-related fluctuations (worsening even after initiation of early treatment). Ventilator support was required despite early treatment.”

The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical evaluation, electrophysiological tests, blood tests, and spinal fluid analysis. The condition had affected the patient’s limbs and chest muscles, impacting his ability to breathe. He lost the ability to speak and swallow and was placed on ventilator support in the ICU for one week.

The critical care team including Dr. Sameh Hamdi (Consultant Critical Care Medicine) & Dr. Mohamed Aly Mahmoud (Specialist Critical Care Medicine) and nursing team took extreme care to evaluate the patient’s condition each day and provided respiratory support. “It was a difficult time for our family, but once we reached Zulekha Hospital, we felt that my father was in safe hands. It was a very difficult period — he couldn’t speak, swallow, or breath on his own — but the care, communication, and professionalism shown by the Dr. Shyam Babu & ICU Team gave us strength and hope.” said the patient’s daughter.

After one month of treatment and physiotherapy, Mr. Bhaskar regained strength and was able to walk with the support of a walker.

Zulekha Hospital continues to provide care for patients with neurological conditions using a team-based approach and timely intervention.