Guillain-Barre' Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome usually occurs within days of an upper respiratory infection or stomach illness with cramps or diarrhea.  It presents with weakness of leg, arm, respiratory, face, or eye muscles, and the symptoms usually progress for up to a week.  Some patients feel unsteady on their feet. Tingling of the arms or legs or back pain may occur, but these symptoms are usually minor.

Sometimes, the condition is mild and can be managed without hospitalization.  Often, though, weakness is severe, and patients may have trouble breathing.  They require hospitalization.

Antibodies, which the body forms to fight infection, cause the disease; these antibodies unfortunately may attack nerve cells also. To limit progression of disease, antibodies may be removed by plasmapheresis or their effect may be muted by intravenous gamma globulin. Most patients recover with no permanent problems, but some may be left with muscle weakness.