What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome  is a relatively rare neurological disorder which occurs in 1 to 2 per 100,000 of the population, and can affect any age group. 

It occurs when the body's immune system (defense system) mistakenly attacks the nervous system. This leads to damage and inflammation of the nerves. The syndrome affects the nerve covering (myelin sheath), which is called demyelination, and causes the nerve signals to move more slowly. If other parts of the nerve are damaged, it may stop working.

It is potentially very serious and patients suffering from the condition need urgent medical attention, which usually involves admission to hospital.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is usually classified into four types:

• Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) – the most common form where weakness starts in your legs and feet
• Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) – weakness starts in the eyes
• Acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include the following:

• Progressive numbness and or pins and needles usually starting in the legs.
• Progressive muscle weakness in the legs but can start in the arms.
• Weakness of the face.
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing.
• Back pain in association with the weakness and numbness.
• Rare variants present with incoordination and double vision.

What are the causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

The exact causes of the syndrome are unknown. It can occur in both sexes, and it is more frequent in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

Triggers of Guillain-Barré´syndrome include:

• Diarroheal illness due to a bacteria called Campylobacter jejunum.
• Viruses such as EBV and HIV.
• The link with Covid -19 is still controversial.

What is the treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Patients with GBS usually need hospital admission to monitor the weakness, breathing and pulse and blood pressure as these can deteriorate rapidly.

Treatment for GBS is with a blood product called intravenous immunoglobulin (IViG) infused into the vein. Alternative treatment are plasma exchange (PLEX) where, via a filtration machine, the antibodies  causing the damage are washed out.

Other aspects that need management include bladder and bowel function, pain, complications of immobility such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be treated by a neurologist.