Major League Baseball first baseman Freddie Freeman has had a busy year.  The World Series MVP, won a championship in October with the Los Angeles Dodgers and had one of his best seasons in the league, but the best news that Freeman received this year was that their young son is recovering after a scare from Guillain-Barre Syndrome or GBS. Dr. Asma Khan a pediatrician with OSF Healthcare says that it is an inflammation of the body.  

While experts aren't sure of the cause of GBS, many people with GBS exhibit early symptoms of an infection before a diagnosis is found.  Freeman's three-year-old son, Max, first started experiencing symptoms in July when he developed a viral infection.  The boy was unable to stand or walk without being in pain and his parents rushed him to the hospital. 

Symptoms can usually happen suddenly and can affect both sides of your body and start in the feet and legs. 

While it is rare, anyone can get GBS.  It is more common in adults and especially in males. Dr. Khan has seen a few cases in her pediatric practice.

The most severe problem is trouble breathing.  Dr. Khan explains that as muscles and the chest wall get weaker, respiartory failure can occur which is why hospitalization is so important.

Treatment includes plasma exchange, which filters out the antibodies in the plasma that are attacking the nerves. Another treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), involves IV injections of immunoglobulins which are proteins that the immune system makes. IVIG can reduce the immune system's attack on the nerves.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may also be required, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Dr. Khan says most people completely recover from Guillain-Barre Syndrome but it can take six to 12 months or longer.  Some people may experience lingering effects including weakness and fatigue. 

Find out more information, by talking to your primary care physician.