Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed.

Risk Factors:

• possible autoimmune
• more common: 20-50 y.o.
• ? association with swine flu immunizations
• frequently preceded by mild respiratioy or intestinal infection

-progress rapidly or over 2-3 weeks

-minimal muscle atrophy

-symmetrical paralysis causes problems with:

• respiration
• talking
• swallowing
• bowel and bladder function

-begins in lower extremities and ascends bilaterally :

• weakness
• ataxia
• bilateral paresthesia progressing to paralysis