What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is the name given to a rare acute illness of progressive muscle weakness and respiratory paralysis associated with absent reflexes, which develops over a period of three to four weeks, usually following a viral or other infection.

Who gets Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Anyone can get Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but it is more common in men and in older individuals, most frequently in those 50 to 74 years of age.

How is Guillain-Barre Syndrome spread?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not spread from person to person, and it is not clearly understood what causes the illness. In about 50 to 60% of cases, there is a recent history of viral or other infection.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Symptoms vary greatly in severity from so mild that medical attention is not sought, to severe causing almost total paralysis, which may include respiratory failure. The common initial symptoms are numbness and tingling in the legs. Back pain is a major symptom in about one third of patients. The sensory symptoms are soon followed by ascending weakness in the legs and arms. Other nerves, such as those controlling the eyes, are affected in over half the cases. Reflexes are usually absent or greatly reduced. Progression of the symptoms may continue for up to four weeks. Recovery is often slow, lasting 6 months to two years. Up to 90% of patients reach nearly complete recovery.

How is Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosed?

There is no single reliable diagnostic test. A variety of tests are often performed, including nerve conduction studies and tests to measure muscle weakness and sensory changes. Diagnosis is usually made based upon clinical symptoms and exclusion of other possible causes of the ascending paralysis.

What is the treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Treatment is primarily supportive care, physical therapy and psychologic support. Plasmapheresis (a process which removes certain blood components from the bloodstream) and intravenous human immunoglobulin (a specific blood product) have been shown to limit the progression of the illness. Ventilatory support may be required in those patients with respiratory failure.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

An individual with Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not infectious to others.

How can Guillain-Barre Syndrome be prevented?

• There is no known action which can be taken to prevent Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

More about Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• Surveillance Case Definition