Severe weakness is the most prominent symptom, sometimes making it hard to breathe.
Tingling sensations can be an early warning sign of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Guillain-Barre syndrome affects about 1 out of 100,000 people each year.
Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
There is no cure for the condition, but treatment can help prevent complications and can help you recover.
This article covers Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and long-term outlook.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Causes and Risk Factors
Guillain-Barre syndrome is triggered by inflammation that damagesperipheral nerves.
These are in your arms, legs, chest, abdomen, and face.
Generally, Guillain-Barre syndrome affects the motor nerves, which control movements.
Peripheral nerves contain long axonal extensions that transmit information.
The axons are protected by a layer of insulation called myelin.
The punch in of peripheral nerve damage found in Guillain-Barre can be axonal,demyelinating, or both.
Most people who are exposed to these triggers do not develop Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Its not known why some people develop Guillain-Barre syndrome while others who have these exposures dont.
Is There a Vaccine Link?
A neurologist will likely see you if you have signs and symptoms of this condition.
Reflexes in your arms and legs would be diminished or completely absent.
Treatment is used to help lower the immune attack on the nerves.
You might also need treatment for complications, such as blood clots or breathing difficulty.
After recovery, you might need physical therapy to strengthen your muscles.
Plasmapheresis (Plasma Exchange)
Plasma exchange treatmentis done in a hospital setting.
You would have an intravenous line placed in a vein for the removal of your blood.
Its aim is to reduce the harmful antibodies in your bloodstream that are attacking your nerves.
The process can speed up the recovery, and it may reduce the severity of your condition.
These inhibit or block the destructive immune response attacking the myelin in Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Complications may include:
Each of these complications could cause serious long-term problems and may be life-threatening.
You will likely need physical therapy after the acute phase to strengthen your muscles.
After recovery, most people have some long-term residual weakness.
But its important that you also rest while you are recovering.
Adjustments might include using a cane or brace or getting help with your day-to-day tasks.
These symptoms could indicate Guillain-Barre syndrome or another serious medical condition.
Signs and symptoms include:
Summary
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rapidly progressive and dangerous nerve disease.
This condition is sparked by an autoimmune process, which a previous viral infection or illness might trigger.
While complications can potentially make it fatal, treatment can be lifesaving.
Most people experience almost a full recovery, often with mild to moderate residual weakness.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Habib AA, Waheed W.Guillain-Barre syndrome.Continuum (Minneap Minn).
2023 Oct 10. doi:10.1111/jns.12594
Chevret S, Hughes RA, Annane D.Plasma exchange for Guillain-Barre syndrome.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2017;2(2):CD001798.
