Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition of rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system mistakenly damaging the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Both sides of the body are typically involved, with initial symptoms often being changes in sensation or pain, frequently in the back, along with muscle weakness that usually begins in the feet and hands before spreading upward. Symptoms can develop over hours to days and, in some cases, progress to severe weakness requiring intensive medical support.