Guillain-Barre syndrome Dr Trisha Macnair Guillain-Barre syndrome - also known as acute post-infective polyneuritis - is a disease of the peripheral nervous system, affecting the nerves to the arms, legs, head and trunk, but not the brain or spinal cord.

In this article

Causes Symptoms

Who's affected? Treatment

Typically, Guillain-Barre develops as an autoimmune reaction following an acute infection. It's not inherited, although it's thought that genetic factors may make some people more likely to develop autoimmune conditions.

The paralysis is often progressive and ascending

An initial episode of a headache, vomiting, fever and back and limb pain is followed by paralysis, which starts as tingling and numbness followed by increasing weakness. The paralysis is often progressive and ascending (starting with the feet and moving upwards), but the condition may come on suddenly and affect all four limbs at once. The degree of paralysis varies.

There may also be a loss of sensation, sometimes with pain. In about one in four cases the paralysis spreads to the respiratory nerves controlling breathing and the person needs to be put on a ventilator.

Some patients have a similar but longer-lasting illness called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), once known as chronic Guillain-Barre but now usually regarded as a related condition.

Guillain-Barre affects about 1,500 people every year in the UK

Guillain-Barre affects about 1,500 people every year in the UK, and about 150 develop CIDP. The exact mechanisms that cause the conditions aren't clear, but about 60 per cent of those affected will have had a throat or intestinal infection, flu or major stress within the previous two weeks. This triggers the immune system, which then attacks the nerves.

It rarely occurs in first-degree relatives, but familial cases have been reported and genetic similarities noted. For example, a study of Japanese people with Guillain-Barre following an intestinal infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni found they were more likely to have a rare version of the gene for an immune system chemical known as tumour necrosis factor.

Most people with Guillain-Barre recover within three to six months

Most people with Guillain-Barre recover within three to six months, but it may take longer and some are left with a permanent disability. Supportive treatments such as physiotherapy, fluids and nursing care are vital. Treatments such as immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis may be recommended.

There is no way to detect those who may be more vulnerable to Guillain-Barre.

Organisations

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Support Group
Tel: 0800 374803
Website: www.gbs.org.uk

GBS/CIPD Foundation International
Website: www.gbsfi.com

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in April 2008