What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

An Explanation of the Disorder in Layman's Terms

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that is generally caused by an acute infection by outside antigens, such as vaccines or by a viral or bacterial infection. Once introduced to the system of someone susceptible to developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, the antigens attack nerve tissues, causing an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system.

Also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and Landry's ascending paralysis, Guillain-Barré syndrome causes a rapid onset of weakness and paralysis of the muscles of the legs and arms, and can progress to the chest, face and eyes.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is statistically fairly common, affecting 1-2 out of every 100,000 people. It is the most common source of rapidly acquired paralysis in the United States. (GBS/CIDP Foundation International)

How do I know if I have Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome generally makes a dramatic entrance. The weakness and paralysis associated with the disease come on very quickly. In addition to the weakness and paralysis, patients may experience loss of their deep tendon reflexes, and strange sensations in the body. Fortunately, because of the severity of its advance in the peripheral nervous system, and its prevalence as the most common cause of rapid onset paralysis, most patients are diagnosed fairly quickly after the symptoms of the disorder appear.