Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Symptoms of GBS begin five days to three weeks following the seemingly ordinary viral infection (or other preceding event), and consist originally of weakness of the limbs (legs first, then arms, then face), accompanied by prickly, tingling sensations (paresthesias). Symptoms are symmetric (affecting both sides of the body simultaneously), an important characteristic which helps distinguish GBS from other causes of weakness and paresthesias. Normal reflexes are first diminished, then lost. The weakness ultimately affects all the voluntary muscles, eventually resulting in paralysis. Paralysis of the muscles of respiration necessitates mechanical ventilation, occurring about 30% of the time. Very severely ill GBS patients may have complications stemming from other nervous system abnormalities which result in problems with fluid balance in the body, and blood pressure and heart rhythm irregularities.

About 5% of all GBS patients die, most from cardiac rhythm disturbances. While the majority of patients recover fully, there are some patients (particularly children) who have some degree of residual weakness, or even permanent paralysis. About 10% of GBS patients begin to improve, then suffer a relapse. These patients suffer chronic GBS symptoms.