Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare and serious neurological disease characterized by an autoimmune response that attacks the peripheral nerves. It can cause progressive muscle weakness and, in more severe cases, paralysis. Although most people recover with proper treatment, the syndrome can progress rapidly and require hospitalization.
In this article, we will explain what GBS is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and the most recent advances related to this condition.
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
GBS is an acute autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. The immune system, by mistake, attacks the myelin (the protective layer of the nerves) or, in some cases, the axon itself, compromising the transmission of nerve impulses.
The result is muscle weakness that usually begins in the feet and legs, progressing to the arms and, eventually, to the respiratory muscles.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome
GBS often develops quickly, sometimes within just hours or days. The most common symptoms include:
Weakness or tingling in the legs, which can ascend to the trunk and arms
Loss of reflexes
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Numbness or abnormal sensations (paresthesia)
Muscle or nerve pain
Difficulty moving the eyes or speaking (in severe cases)
Shortness of breath when the respiratory muscles are affected
Rapid progression is a warning sign, and seeking immediate medical attention is essential.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of GBS is not yet fully understood, but it is known that it is often preceded by infections that may “trigger” the abnormal autoimmune response. The infections most commonly associated include:
Campylobacter jejuni infection (a common bacteria in cases of diarrhea)
Viral respiratory infections
Viruses such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, Zika, and Influenza
In rare cases, after vaccination or surgery
The syndrome can affect people of any age, but it is slightly more common in adults and the elderly.
Clinical forms of GBS
There are different variants of GBS, which vary according to the pattern of nerve involvement:
Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) — The most common form, involving myelin destruction.
Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN) — Primarily affects the motor axon.
Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) — Affects both motor and sensory fibers.
Miller Fisher syndrome — Characterized by eye muscle paralysis, loss of reflexes, and lack of coordination.
Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Diagnosis is clinical, supported by tests that confirm nerve involvement and exclude other diseases. The main methods include:
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies — Assess the speed and strength of nerve signal conduction.
Lumbar puncture — Usually reveals increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid without significant increase in cell count.
Blood tests — To rule out other causes of weakness.
Since the disease can progress rapidly and severely, early diagnosis is critical.
Treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome
There is no definitive cure, but available treatments help reduce severity and speed up recovery. The main options include:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
Administration of antibodies that modulate the autoimmune response, preventing further nerve damage.Plasmapheresis
A procedure that filters the blood to remove harmful antibodies.Respiratory support
In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.Physical therapy
Essential for restoring muscle strength and preventing complications, especially during recovery.
Prognosis and recovery
Most patients begin to recover within weeks after symptom onset, but full rehabilitation may take months or even years. Around 70% fully regain motor function, although some may experience residual weakness or chronic fatigue.
Mortality is low (about 3–7%), usually linked to respiratory or autonomic complications.
Facts, myths, and scientific advances about GBS
💡 Fact: The syndrome is named after French doctors Georges Guillain and Jean Barré, who described it in 1916 during World War I.
❌ Myth: “GBS always leaves severe aftereffects.” — Not necessarily. Most patients recover completely with proper treatment.
✅ Fact: GBS is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis worldwide, surpassing even polio.
🧪 Scientific advance: Research is exploring more specific biological therapies that block only harmful antibodies, reducing side effects.
🌐 Recent relevance: During Zika virus outbreaks, there was a significant increase in GBS cases, prompting new studies on its link to viral infections.
