Spotlight On

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness, tingling, and potential paralysis

Prevalence

1-9/100,000

3,310 - 29,790

US Estimated

5,135 - 46,215

Europe Estimated

Age of Onset

ICD-10

G61.0

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant

Autosomal recessive

Mitochondrial/Multigenic

X-linked dominant

X-linked recessive

5 Facts you should know

FACT

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis

FACT

It often follows an infection, commonly respiratory or gastrointestinal, and can result in rapid-onset muscle weakness starting in the legs and spreading to the arms and upper body, with potential involvement of respiratory muscles

FACT

GBS is characterized by ascending muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and can progress to paralysis within weeks, with some individuals experiencing life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure

FACT

Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which may show elevated proteins but typically no significant increase in white blood cells

FACT

Treatment primarily involves supportive care, including hospitalization, respiratory support if needed, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasmapheresis to reduce immune system activity and speed up recovery

Interest over time

Google searches