GBS-stricken 11-year-old back home after 90 days in hospital
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Treated at a private hospital in Nagpur, Viraj's case stands out not just for the severity of his condition but also for his resilience throughout the ordeal.
"For over three months, this boy battled GBS with courage that belied his age," said Dr Rajesh Agrawal, a paediatrician, who led Viraj's treatment. "His journey is inspiring. I must also commend his parents, whose unwavering faith in the medical team made all the difference."
GBS, a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nerves, often leads to rapid-onset muscle weakness and, in severe cases, respiratory failure requiring ventilator support. Though treatable, recovery can be prolonged and challenging.
Awareness about GBS remains low despite the severity it poses. Early symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and difficulty in movement should not be ignored, especially after viral infections, as early intervention improves outcomes significantly.
According to Nagpur Municipal Corporation data, the city recorded 16 GBS cases between January and May this year (January 4, February 6, March 5, and 1 in April). No new cases have been reported so far in May.
While the number of cases is limited and trending downward, doctors warn that the severity of GBS often necessitates long ICU stays. "In several cases, patients remain on ventilator support for weeks, which puts enormous emotional and financial pressure on families," said a senior neurologist.
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A relative of a 45-year-old GBS patient currently under treatment shared the painful reality. "It's been over a month on the ventilator, and he was the sole earning member of our family. We have exhausted all our savings, and each day feels like a test of endurance."
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