Living with Guillain-Barre syndrome
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and changes in feeling.
Understanding Guillain-Barre syndrome
In autoimmune disorders the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Here, the immune response damages the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the limbs and organs. It can affect nerves that control movement (motor), nerves that sense pain, temperature, and touch (sensory), or both. There are several types. The most common is acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), in which the immune system damages myelin, the protective covering on nerve fibers. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes these:
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
- Loss of the ability to feel some sensations
- Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, GBS/CIDP Foundation International and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, GBS/CIDP Foundation International, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves.
Also known as: acute postinfectious polyneuropathy; gbs; guillain barre syndrome; guillain barré syndrome; guillain-barre-strohl syndrome; guillain-barré syndrome
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationGuillain-Barre syndrome · United States
- GBS/CIDP Foundation InternationalGuillain-Barre syndrome · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteGuillain-Barre syndrome · United States
- Ben's FriendsGuillain-Barre syndrome · United States
- Christopher and Dana Reeve FoundationGuillain-Barre syndrome · United States
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Explore research for Guillain-Barre syndrome
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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