What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is not known, but it usually comes on after an infection. Occasionally it is triggered by surgery. It causes weakness, numbness or paralysis. Most people with this nervous system disorder need treatment in hospital for some time, but most recover well.

Antibodies in the immune system attack and damage the nerves. When the immune system attacks the body, it is called an auto-immune response.

Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms

It usually begins with tingling or weakness in the legs. Occasionally, it may begin as trouble moving your eyes or face.

It spreads, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, through most of the body.

In the early stages, a person with Guillain-Barre syndrome may need to be on a ventilator in intensive care to help them breathe.

With time, it usually gradually improves. Most people are walking again within 6 months.

Guillain-Barre syndrome diagnosis

If you think you may have Guillain-Barre syndrome, your doctor will talk to you and examine you. You may be referred to a neurologist and be asked to have tests to see how well your nerves are working. You may also be asked to have a lumbar puncture, in which a needle is put into your lower back to check the fluid around your spine and brain.

Guillain-Barre syndrome treatment

There is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. In the early stages, people with Guillain-Barre syndrome may be put on life support to keep the body functioning while the nervous system recovers.

Guillain-Barre syndrome can be treated with:

• plasma exchange, which involves removing part of the blood and replacing it with plasma from the blood bank
• intravenous immunoglobulin therapy – using antibodies from blood donors to alter the abnormal immune response
• medicines to relieve pain and prevent blood clots
• physiotherapy.

Most people recover - some within a few weeks, and others in a couple of years. Some people have symptoms for life.

Visit the Brain Foundation website for more information about Guillain-Barre syndrome.