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Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Brain Nerves

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.

Overview

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder that causes your immune system to attack your peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS nerves connect your brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body. Damage to these nerves makes it hard for them to transmit signals. As a result, your muscles have trouble responding to your brain.

Causes and Symptoms

No one knows what causes the syndrome, though it is sometimes triggered by an infection, surgery, or a vaccination. The first symptom is usually weakness or a tingling feeling in your legs. The feeling can spread to your upper body. In severe cases, you become almost paralyzed, which is life-threatening and may require a respirator to breathe. Symptoms usually worsen over a period of weeks and then stabilize.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Guillain-Barre can be hard to diagnose. Possible tests include nerve tests and a spinal tap. Most people recover, though the process can take a few weeks to a few years. Treatment can help symptoms and may include medicines or a procedure called plasma exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plasma exchange is a procedure that removes the liquid part of your blood (plasma) and separates it from your blood cells. The plasma, which contains the antibodies attacking your nerves, is discarded and replaced with a substitute solution or donor plasma. This process helps to remove harmful antibodies from your system, reducing the immune attack on your peripheral nerves. It's typically used early in the course of the disease to shorten the recovery time and reduce the severity of symptoms.
While most people have a single episode, a small percentage can experience a recurrence of Guillain-Barre syndrome, known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Long-term complications can include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, or pain. Some individuals may also experience problems with balance, coordination, or difficulty walking, even after significant recovery. Regular follow-up with a neurologist is important to monitor for any lasting effects
Rapidly worsening weakness, especially if it affects your breathing muscles, is a medical emergency. Signs include severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, inability to clear your throat or swallow, or weakness that quickly spreads to your upper body and face. These symptoms suggest the need for immediate hospitalization and potentially a respirator to assist breathing.
Recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome can be a long and challenging process, ranging from a few weeks to several years. It often involves extensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes speech therapy to regain muscle strength, coordination, and function. Many people experience residual weakness, fatigue, or numbness for an extended period, and some may require ongoing support for daily activities or assistive devices.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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