(Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy; Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy; Acute Idiopathic Polyneuritis; Acute Inflammatory Polyneuropathy; Acute Autoimmune Neuropathy; Idiopathic Polyneuritis; AIDP)
DefinitionGuillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition that causes the immune system to attack the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. It can affect all ages.
|Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.|
CausesThe exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown. However in about 70% of people, a recent infection or surgery triggers an autoimmune response. This autoimmune response attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness and a loss of sensation.
Risk FactorsGuillain-Barré syndrome is more common in men, and in the those aged 15-35 years and 60-75 years old. Other factors that increase your chance of Guillain-Barré syndrome may include:
- Recent gastrointestinal or respiratory infection by viruses or bacteria
- Recent vaccination—especially influenza and meningococcal
- The swine flu vaccine given from 1976-1977 was linked to excess cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. (Since then, influenza virus vaccines have been associated with only a marginally increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome.)
- Recent surgery
- History of lymphoma , systemic lupus erythematosus , or HIV infection
SymptomsThe first symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include:
- Pain—the lower back pain is the most common complaint
- Progressive muscle weakness on both sides of the legs, arms, and face
- Prickly, tingling sensations, usually in the feet or hands
- Loss of normal reflexes
- Facial weakness
- Blood pressure instability
- Heart rate changes
- Sweating abnormalities
- Heart arrhythmias
- Urinary/gastrointestinal dysfunction
- Breathing difficulty
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical will be done.Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture to evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord
- Nerve conduction and electromyography studies
TreatmentTreatment aims to reduce the body’s autoimmune response and decrease complications that result from immobility. Hospitalization is important because symptoms may rapidly become more severe, including respiratory failure, heart arrhythmias, and blood pressure instability.Common treatments include:
PlasmapheresisDuring plasmapheresis, blood is removed from your body and passed through a machine that separates blood cells. The separated cells are then returned to your body with new plasma. This procedure may help shorten the course and severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
High-dose Immunoglobulin TherapyIntravenous infusion with immunoglobulin (IVIg) may help reduce the severity of a Guillain-Barré attack. Immunoglobulins are proteins that are naturally produced by the body’s immune system.
Mechanical VentilationIn some cases, muscles necessary for breathing become paralyzed. This is treated with immediate emergency support from a mechanical ventilator.
MedicationsYour doctor may advise
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
- Antiseizure medications
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation International
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated January 5, 2015. Accessed January 23, 2015.
Guillain-Barre syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated December 23, 2014. Accessed January 23, 2015.
Vucic S, Kiernan MC, Cornblath DR. Guilainn-Barre: an update. J Clinical Neuroscience. 2009;16(6):733-741.
- Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 01/2015
- Update Date: 05/07/2014
Health and medical shows are some of the most popular talk shows on television. The hosts, highlighted as experts, offer a plethora of information but this study has found that almost half of those recommendations have little research support.
Strength Training, Tai Chi, and Aerobics May Improve Balance in People With Knee Osteoarthritis
Exercise During Pregnancy May Decrease the Risk of Cesarean Birth
Maternal Caffeine Intake May Be Associated with Low Birth Weight