Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract

Guillain-Barré (GB) syndrome is a peripheral nervous system disorder characterized by acute onset, ascending motor weakness. GB syndrome can occur at any age and men are more affected than women. GB syndrome begins with acute onset of paresthesia, which is symmetrical, followed by progressive lower-limb weakness. Facial and laryngeal muscles reflect the involvement of cranial nerves. Phrenic nerve involvement causes diaphragmatic palsy. These together eventually can lead to acute respiratory failure and the need for mechanical ventilation in one-third of patients with GB syndrome. GB syndrome has been classified into different subtypes based on the neurological injury. The injury can be demyelinating, axonar degeneration with or without sensory involvement. The patients with suspected/proven GB syndrome should be admitted to a neurointensive care unit (NICU) or a high-dependency unit where the patient can be closely monitored for the development of respiratory failure.