Guillain-Barré syndrome

Also called GBS, Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

The immune system attacking the peripheral nerves, usually after an infection. Weakness that climbs, and it climbs fast.

What it is

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition in which the immune system, usually triggered by a recent infection, attacks the peripheral nerves.

It affects around 1,500 people in the UK each year. Weakness typically starts in the feet and legs and ascends, over hours to days.

The reason it is here is speed. Around a quarter of people need ventilation because the breathing muscles become involved, and treatment given early works better. Ascending weakness after a recent gastrointestinal or respiratory infection needs same-day assessment, not a wait-and-see.

Most people recover substantially, though recovery takes months and a meaningful minority have lasting weakness or fatigue.

Signs you might notice

Tingling and numbness in the feet and hands, then weakness, usually starting in the legs and moving upward.

Difficulty walking, then climbing stairs, then standing.

Pain, often severe, particularly in the back and legs, and often out of proportion to the weakness.

Facial weakness, difficulty swallowing, double vision.

Breathlessness or a weak cough: this is the emergency, and it can develop quickly.

Autonomic instability: swinging blood pressure and heart rate.

How it can affect day-to-day life

Rehabilitation is long and the fatigue afterwards is substantial and under-recognised, often persisting for years after strength returns.

Pain during the acute phase is frequently under-treated because it does not fit the picture people expect.

The psychological impact of being fully conscious and progressively paralysed, sometimes ventilated, is significant, and PTSD after intensive care is common.

Supporting someone well

Get ascending weakness assessed the same day. This is the one instruction that matters most.

Monitor breathing during the acute phase and escalate any change in voice, cough strength or breathlessness.

Take the pain seriously and treat it properly, including with nerve pain agents.

Support rehabilitation over months rather than weeks, and pace it: overexertion causes setbacks.

Expect and plan for fatigue long after strength returns.

Address the psychological aftermath, particularly after intensive care.

Where to get help

Suspected GBS needs emergency assessment. Go to A and E and describe the ascending weakness and the recent infection.

Inflammatory Neuropathies UK, the charity for Guillain-Barré syndrome and related conditions, run a helpline and support recovery.

Ask for neurology follow-up and specialist neurorehabilitation.