Guillain-Barré Syndrome
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The onset can be quite sudden and unexpected. The disorder can develop over a few days, or it may take up to several weeks. A person experiences the greatest weakness within the first two weeks after symptoms appear.
Who is affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Although rare, afflicting about one to two persons in 100,000, Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect people at any age and both men and women equally. The disorder usually occurs a few days or weeks after a person has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally, pregnancy, surgery, or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome.