Israeli Woman Recovers After Rare Guillain-Barré Syndrome Leaves Her Paralyzed

Roan Salem, a 33-year-old accountant from northern Israel, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves. Initially experiencing numbness in her hands, her condition rapidly deteriorated over days, leading to paralysis of all four limbs and loss of ability to walk, swallow, or breathe independently. She was hospitalized and ventilated for eight days in intensive care before beginning intensive rehabilitation at Emek Medical Center.

Salem described waking up with numbness that worsened quickly, initially mistaken for a transient issue by her family doctor. After symptoms escalated to difficulty swallowing and breathing, she was admitted to hospital where spinal fluid tests confirmed Guillain-Barré syndrome. Despite immediate treatment with intravenous therapy, her condition worsened, requiring mechanical ventilation and sedation.

Following 50 days of intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation involving physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support, Salem regained most of her motor functions and independence. She was discharged home but continues to face challenges, especially with swallowing, and her full recovery is expected to take months. Neurologists explained that symptoms can persist for up to six months, with full recovery possibly taking a year.

Dr. Afif Saeida, head of rehabilitation at Emek Medical Center, noted the rarity of the syndrome, affecting about one to two per 100,000 people, with symptoms ranging from mild weakness to respiratory failure. He emphasized that Guillain-Barré is usually a one-time illness but can rarely recur, advising patients with new neurological symptoms to seek prompt medical evaluation.

Salem’s determination and the comprehensive care she received were key to her remarkable recovery, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intensive rehabilitation in managing this rare disease.