NeurologyPending review
Guillain-Barré syndrome
An acute, immune-mediated attack on peripheral nerves, typically triggered by molecular mimicry after infection, that strips myelin or damages axons from the roots outward, producing an ascending, symmetrical weakness that can progress to respiratory failure within days, which is why forced vital capacity is monitored more closely than the limb weakness itself.
In a nutshell
GBS is an antibody-mediated attack on peripheral nerve, triggered by molecular mimicry after infection, producing ascending symmetrical weakness with loss of reflexes; the real danger is respiratory failure, tracked with serial FVC rather than symptoms.
Classic presentation
A patient with ascending, symmetrical leg weakness and absent reflexes developing over days, one to three weeks after a diarrhoeal or respiratory infection.
Key points
- Weakness is ascending and symmetrical, with reduced or absent reflexes, a key distinguishing feature from central causes of weakness.
Educational content pending clinical review. Not medical advice.