Patient education: Guillain-Barré syndrome (The Basics)

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome? — 

Guillain-Barré syndrome, or "GBS," is a condition that causes mild or severe muscle weakness. There are different types of GBS. The most common type is called "acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy," or "AIDP." Both children and adults can get GBS.

In GBS, a person's infection-fighting system (the immune system) attacks their own nervous system. This damages the nervous system and can cause symptoms.

In people who get GBS, it usually begins after a bacterial or viral infection. Common examples include:

●Campylobacter – This is an illness that causes stomach pain and diarrhea.

●Influenza (flu)

●Other illnesses like the flu

What are the symptoms of GBS? — 

GBS causes muscles to get weak on both sides of the body. The weakness can get worse over time. It usually starts in the legs, and then spreads to the arms. Sometimes, GBS also affects the face.

Some people have mild weakness, such as trouble walking. Others are unable to move the muscles in their legs, arms, or face. This is called "paralysis." In some people, the muscles used for breathing get very weak. This can make it hard to breathe.

Other symptoms of GBS can include:

●Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

●Pain, especially in the back, legs, or arms

Less common symptoms of GBS can include:

●Problems with eye movement

●Loss of coordination in the arms and legs

Is there a test for GBS? — 

Yes. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. They will also do tests to make sure that you have GBS. Tests can include:

●Lumbar puncture, sometimes called a "spinal tap" – A doctor puts a thin needle in the lower back and removes a small amount of spinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. They do lab tests on the spinal fluid.

●Nerve conduction studies – These can show whether the nerves are carrying electrical signals the correct way.

●Electromyography, or "EMG" – This shows whether the muscles are correctly responding to the electrical signals from the nerves.

●Blood tests

How is GBS treated? — 

Treatment involves different parts:

●Treatment for the GBS itself – Most people with GBS get better with time. But there are 2 treatments that can help improve symptoms faster.

People with GBS usually have 1 of these treatments, depending on their individual situation and other factors. These treatments are:

•IVIG – This is a medicine that helps strengthen the immune system.

•Plasma exchange (also called "plasmapheresis") – A machine pumps blood from the body and removes substances that are attacking the nervous system. Then, the machine returns the blood to the body.

●Treatments for problems caused by the GBS – People with GBS are usually treated in the hospital. That's because symptoms of GBS can get worse very quickly. In the hospital, the doctor can monitor a person's breathing, heartbeat, and overall health. Then, they can treat any problems that happen, such as:

•Pain – Doctors can use different medicines to treat pain.

•Breathing problems – People who are having a very hard time breathing usually need a breathing tube. This is a tube that goes down the throat and into the lungs. The other end is attached to a machine that helps with breathing.

Children with GBS usually have the same treatments as adults. But doctors usually use IVIG or plasma exchange only if children have severe symptoms.

People whose muscles get very weak might need "rehab." During rehab, you might work with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. They can show you ways to strengthen your muscles and move your body.

How long does GBS last? — 

GBS usually lasts a few weeks. After that, the symptoms slowly get better over weeks to months.

Most people recover completely from their GBS and have no long-term muscle weakness. But some people have muscle weakness that lasts years.

More on this topic

Patient education: Weakness (The Basics)
Patient education: Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) (The Basics)
Patient education: Therapeutic apheresis (The Basics)