The peripheral nerves send signals from the brain to the muscles and tell them to move. They also send sensory signals (such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain) to the brain.
Guillain-Barré (gee-LAN-buh-RAY) syndrome temporarily damages these nerves, which interrupts the signals. So someone with the condition may have weakness or problems moving, or may feel pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
In GBS, the attack on the immune system usually involves proteins called antibodies. Normally these help destroy invading bacteria or viruses. But in GBS, these antibodies mistakenly damage parts of the peripheral nerves.
Doctors often don't know the exact cause of Guillain-Barré. It might be a type of autoimmune disease (when the body's immune system damages normal, healthy body tissues like the peripheral nerves).Many people with the condition have had a viral or bacterial infection in the 2 weeks before symptoms began. The infections usually are in the respiratory system or gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes minor surgery or something else might trigger symptoms.
Symptoms of GBS, in the order that they usually happen, include:
Doctors ask questions about the symptoms and do an exam. If GBS seems likely, the doctor will ask whether the symptoms:
They also might order tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as:
Treatments that can speed recovery include:
People with the condition usually get medicines to ease pain and to prevent blood clots if they can't move easily.
Most people with GBS get care in a hospital so doctors and nurses can check how they're doing. Sometimes they're cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU). This lets doctors and nurses regularly check on vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and pay close attention to how the body is doing.
How long someone stays in the hospital depends on how serious the symptoms are. Some patients are in the hospital for only a few days, while others stay for several weeks.
Even after coming home from the hospital, a person might need some time before feeling better. Some people with GBS might use a wheelchair or a walker until they regain their strength. Many will need physical therapy to get their bodies moving well again.
