Guillain-Barré syndrome

A disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system - those nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Although a rare disease condition, it is one of the common forms of acute neuromuscular paralysis in countries from which poliomyelitis has been eradicated.

Also called acute inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy and Landry’s ascending paralysis. The condition was originally described by Guillain, Barré and Strohl in 1916.

Onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome may occurs one to three weeks following a mild fever associated with immunization or viral infection. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensation in the legs. The patients may notice numbness in the arms and legs with loss of strength in the hand and feet. This weakness progresses and may finally lead to paralysis limbs, trunk, eyes, face, pharynx and tongue.

The course of Guillain-Barré syndrome varies widely; some individuals have extreme impairment (e.g. near total paralysis) and require nursing care, while others exhibit less severe symptoms.

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect anybody regardless of ethnic background. It can strike at any age, and both sexes are equally prone to the disorder.
Guillain-Barré syndrome