CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY:

WHEN IMMUNE SYSTEM ATTACKS NERVES

- ANNA JOSE @Kochi

found in our nervous system. So the fight against the bacteria may also affect the protective covering on the nerve - myelin. This is a demyelinating nerve disorder caused by the immune system mistakenly affecting the nervous system," he said. According to Dr Sudheeran Kannoth, associate professor and autoimmune neurologist, at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, GBS usually occurs after an infection - virus, bacteria or diarrhoea. "There will be a body's immune response against the invading organism. However, after some time, some of the antibodies produced against this mechanism will attack the body. The syndrome mainly affects the peripheral nervous system," said Dr Sudheeran, adding that in rare cases, vaccination can also cause the condition.

SYMPTOMS
• Tingling, along with numbness, which usually starts from the feet
• Muscle weakness and pain