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Guillain-Barré syndrome

Syndroma Guillain-Barré · Guillainův-Barrého syndrom

What it is

An immune attack on peripheral nerves after an infection, rarely after a vaccine (about 1 in 100 000 in the 1976 US swine-flu campaign, 1–2 per million flu shots now); weakness climbs from the feet up.

Symptoms & signs

  • Tingling then weakness starting in the legs
  • lost reflexes
  • breathing difficulty
  • facial weakness
  • progresses over days

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking
  • call 112 / 911 now Weakness climbing quickly from the legs to arms or face
  • call 112 / 911 now Racing or very slow heart, or fainting with weakness
  • see a doctor soon Tingling and weakness in both feet getting worse over days

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • IVIG or plasma exchange
  • breathing and swallowing monitoring
  • ICU ventilation if needed
  • thromboprophylaxis
  • rehabilitation

Natural & lifestyle

  • Early recognition — climbing weakness needs hospital today
  • physiotherapy through recovery
  • fatigue pacing

Emerging & experimental

  • Complement inhibitors (eculizumab)
  • antibody-targeted therapy

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Acupuncture during rehabilitation — small studies early / small studies
  • 'Immune boosters' — the problem is an immune attack anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes