Guillain-Barré syndrome - also known as acute post-infective polyneuritis - is a disease of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nerves are the nerves that live outside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), and deal with our body's senses and movements. Guillain-Barré syndrome affects nerves in the arms, legs, head and trunk, but not the brain or spinal cord.

What causes Guillain Barré Syndrome and who can get it?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare, but serious, disease that can affect people of any age.  About 1,500 people every year in the UK get Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

The disease is caused by an auto-immune reaction. This is when your body’s own immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. Guillain-Barré causes your immune system to attack your peripheral nerves.

This causes a tingly, numb sensation in your arms and legs. It can lead to you losing the feeling and movement in your arms and legs, but this is usually only temporary.

No-one knows what causes Guillain-Barré. It usually develops after you have been ill with another infection. Most doctors think it occurs because of an allergic reaction to this other virus or bacteria.

Guillain Barré is not inherited, but some people are more likely to develop autoimmune conditions because of their genes.

Signs and symptoms

Guillain-Barré syndrome develops very quickly. Symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after you’ve had another infection, such as flu or a stomach bug.

You might experience:

• Tingling, numbness and pain in the arms and legs
• Muscle weakness
• Temporary paralysis of the legs, arms, face and respiratory muscles that control your breathing
• Trouble with eye movement, speech, chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty with bladder control or digestion
• Slow heart rate, or blood pressure fluctuations

How much you lose the feeling and movement in your arms and legs (paralysis), varies.

How is it diagnosed?

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary from person to person. They can also be very similar to other brain and nervous system disorders.

Doctors use two tests to diagnose Guillain Barré:

• Electromyography (EMG) - This test measures how healthy your muscles and nerves are. A needle with an electrode in it is inserted into your muscle to give an electrical recording of your muscle activity.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) - A needle is inserted into your spinal canal (in the lower back) to take a sample of fluid. This to check for evidence of inflammation.

How is it treated?

If you have Guillain-Barré syndrome, you will be taken into hospital straight away. This is because the disease can affect your respiratory system. Doctors need to keep an eye on you to make sure you are breathing ok.

There are two main treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome. These help you to recover quicker:

• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)  - Immunoglobulin is another name for antibodies. Antibodies are the parts of your blood that are supposed to attack harmful bacteria and viruses. In Guillain Barré abnormal antibodies attack your healthy nerve cells. By getting doses of normal immunoglobulin you can block the harmful antibodies that are making you ill.
• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) - This means filtering the blood to remove the plasma, which is the fluid containing the abnormal antibodies, and replacing it with normal fluid.

Looking forward

Most people who have Guillain-Barré syndrome make a full recovery in a few weeks or months.

Some people may take longer to recover or may need to go to intensive care. There is a possibility of permanent nerve damage in severe cases.

There is no way to detect those who may be more likely to get Guillain-Barré.

For more help and information

If you would like to know more about Guillain-Barré Syndrome, please ask your doctor.

Alternatively you can contact the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Support Group.
Tel: 0800 374803. Website: www.gbs.org.uk

Last reviewed by the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Support Group: 12 September 2007

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