Neurology

Guillain-Barré syndrome

An acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy causing progressive symmetrical weakness, areflexia and potentially rapid respiratory or autonomic failure.

Definition

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy causing progressive weakness, reduced or absent reflexes and variable sensory, cranial, autonomic and respiratory involvement.

First principles

GBS is an acute peripheral nerve process, not a spinal cord lesion

After a recent infection, immune-mediated injury affects peripheral nerves and roots, producing a usually symmetrical, progressive weakness with reduced or absent reflexes. Sensory symptoms and pain may occur, but a sensory level, marked sphincter disturbance or upper motor-neurone pattern should prompt a search for another diagnosis.

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