Description
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. Weakness and tingling in the arms and legs are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing the whole body. The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown, however it is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or influenza.
GBS occurs in several forms:
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is the most common form in North America. The most common sign of AIDP is muscle weakness that starts in the lower part of the body and spreads upward.
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), in which paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS is also associated with unsteady gait. MFS occurs in about 5 percent of people with GBS and is more common in Asia.
Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) are less common in the North America are more frequent in China, Japan and Mexico.
Symptoms
- Prickling, pins and needles sensations in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists
- Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body
- Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs
- Difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing
- Double vision or inability to move eyes
- Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramp-like and may be worse at night
- Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function
- Rapid heart rate
- Low or high blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin
Related Dx Tests
- Anti-NMDA Receptor
- Anti‐DPPX (dipeptidyl aminopeptidase‐like 6)
- Anti-VGKC (Voltage gated potassium channel)
- Anti‐GABAB Receptor
- Anti‐AMPA Receptor
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
- Anti‐Myelin Associated Glycoproteins (MAG)
- Anti‐GAD 65 (Glutamate Decarboxylase)
- Sjögren Disease Panel
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Panel
- Paraneoplastic Disease Panel PLUS