15838 Guillain Barre Syndrome

Overview

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own nerves. This damages the protective layer around nerves (called myelin) and can cause muscle weakness, tingling, or even temporary paralysis. It often starts in the legs and can spread upward. While it can be serious, most people recover with proper medical care.

No. GBS is considered a rare disease, but it is one of the most common causes of sudden weakness and paralysis worldwide.

GBS can affect anyone at any age, but it is slightly more common in older adults and in men. It can appear after an infection or, very rarely, after an immunisation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tingling or a 'pins and needles' feeling in the hands and feet.
• Weakness in the legs that can spread to the arms and upper body.
• Unsteady walking or difficulty climbing stairs.
• Pain, especially in the lower back or legs.
• Difficulty with eye movements, blinking, or chewing.
• Trouble breathing in severe cases.

Symptoms in children

• May be more painful — children often complain of leg pain rather than weakness.
• Trouble walking or a sudden refusal to walk.
• Unsteady gait — child may fall more often.
• Irritability or unusual tiredness.

Symptoms in older adults

• Weakness may progress more quickly.
• Higher risk of falls or fractures.
• More likely to have prolonged recovery and lasting symptoms.
• May be mistaken for general age-related weakness, so careful evaluation is needed.

Causes

Main causes

• The immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• This often follows an infection, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. The immune response that fought the infection goes wrong and damages nerve tissue.
• The exact trigger is not fully understood, and there is no single known cause.

Risk factors

• A recent viral or bacterial infection (for example, flu, cytomegalovirus, or Campylobacter).
• Being male.
• Being over 50 years old.
• In rare cases, surgery or certain immunisations have been linked to GBS, but this is much less common than infection.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek medical help urgently if you develop tingling, weakness, or pain that is spreading from your feet or legs to your arms and chest.
• If you notice any difficulty breathing or swallowing, call emergency services immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent tingling or mild weakness after an illness, make an appointment with your general practitioner.
• If symptoms are not getting better within a day or two, ask for a review.

Diagnosis

A doctor will take a detailed history and do a physical exam. They will check your reflexes, coordination, and muscle strength. Because GBS can be difficult to diagnose at first, the doctor may order special tests.

Tests that may be done

• Nerve conduction study — measures how fast electrical signals travel along your nerves.
• Electromyography (EMG) — checks how your muscles respond to nerve signals.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) — a sample of spinal fluid is tested for signs of GBS.
• Blood tests — to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

What to expect at your appointment

If GBS is suspected, you will usually be admitted to the hospital for monitoring and treatment. This is important because weakness can worsen over a few days, affecting your ability to breathe.

Treatment

There is no cure for GBS, but treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and speed up recovery. Because the condition can progress quickly, hospital treatment is almost always needed. Supportive care — including physiotherapy and respiratory support if necessary — is an important part of recovery.

Self-care at home

• Rest and pace yourself — recovery takes time and energy.
• Follow your physiotherapist's advice for gentle movement and rehabilitation.
• Use supportive aids like walkers or handrails if needed.
• Ask for help with daily activities while you recover.

Medical treatments

Hospital treatment may include a procedure called plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) that filters the blood, or high-dose immunoglobulins given through an intravenous drip. These treatments aim to reduce the immune system's attack on your nerves. Pain, blood pressure problems, and other symptoms are managed with appropriate medicines.

Living with this condition

Recovery from GBS can take weeks, months, or even longer. Many people need walking support at first and gradually regain strength. Your care team—including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses—will help you plan a safe recovery at your own pace.

Lifestyle tips

• Take regular rest breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Make your home safer by removing trip hazards and adding grab bars if advised.
• Keep in touch with your healthcare team and attend follow-up appointments.
• Consider talking to a friend or counsellor about how you feel during the recovery.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and nutrients to help your body rebuild nerve tissue. Exercise should be gentle and guided by a physiotherapist; too much exertion can tire you out, but gentle movement can aid recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

GBS can be emotionally challenging. Anxiety, fear, and low mood are common while facing sudden weakness and a long recovery. If you are feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis support line right away—there are people who care and want to talk with you.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent GBS because it usually follows an infection. Practising good hygiene—such as washing your hands regularly—and staying as healthy as possible may reduce your risk of infections that can trigger it.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not a significant risk factor for GBS; in fact, the risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases is far higher. If you have concerns about immunisations, talk to your healthcare provider.

Complications

If left untreated

• Without prompt treatment, GBS can lead to severe paralysis and breathing failure.
• It can cause blood clots in the legs due to immobility.
• It may lead to persistent pain, fatigue, or weakness.
• In rare cases, it can be life-threatening, especially if the chest muscles are affected.

Long-term outlook

Most people who develop GBS survive and recover. The outlook is generally good, but recovery can be slow. About 80% of patients are able to walk after six months, and many regain full strength or are left with only minor symptoms. With early hospital treatment and rehabilitation, the chances of a good outcome are much higher.

Find support

International organisations

• GBS/CIDP Foundation International ↗

Local organisations

• NHS UK - Guillain-Barré syndrome ↗ · United Kingdom

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