Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves (ie those outside the brain and spinal cord). It is characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and, often, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face. GBS is the most common cause of rapidly acquired paralysis today, affecting one to two people in every 100,000.It typically begins with weakness and/or abnormal sensations of the legs and arms. It can also affect muscles of the chest, face and eyes.

Although many cases are mild, some patients are virtually paralysed. Breathing muscles may be so weakened that a machine is required to keep the patient alive. Many patients require an intensive care unit during the early course of their illness, especially if support of breathing with a machine is required. Although most people recover, the length of the illness is unpredictable and often months of hospital care are required. The majority of patients eventually return to a normal or near normal lifestyle, but many endure a protracted recovery and some remain wheelchair-bound indefinitely.

Many patients require an intensive care unit during the early course of their illness, especially if support of breathing with a machine is required. Although most people recover, this can take months, and some may have long term disabilities of varying degrees. Less than 5 percent die. GBS can develop in any person at any age, regardless of gender or ethnic background.

Guillain-Barré syndrome has an incidence of around ten per million persons per year. About 35% have respiratory insufficiency and 17% will require ventilatory support. About a fifth are left disabled.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Support Group