Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Overview

While Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is relatively rare, affecting one in 100,000 people, Mayo Clinic has extensive experience in treating the disorder among all ages. Because Guillain-Barré progresses so rapidly and can be life-threatening, early medical treatment is critical. While most people recover from even the most severe cases; the length and degree of recovery varies. About 5 to 15 percent have serious, lifelong disabilities.

Mayo Clinic has been at the forefront of clinical practice and research in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Patients with GBS benefit from the close collaboration of the neurology staff with their colleagues throughout Mayo Clinic, including Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in coordinating the patient's care. This collaboration offers patients the substantial breadth and depth of Mayo Clinic's multidisciplinary expertise and a thorough team approach to each patient's situation.

Diagnosis

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be difficult to diagnose in the earliest stages. GBS is called a syndrome rather than a disease because there is no specific disease-causing agent. Rather, the collective symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what the doctor can observe or measure) characterize the syndrome. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Read more about Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and take into account the needs of the patient and family, while providing state-of-the-art care and access to new developments and appropriate clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive, coordinated care for patients at any stage of GBS, including:

• Initial medical treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Management of complications associated with GBS

Read more about Guillain-Barré syndrome treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body rapidly loses muscle control, often paralyzing the legs and arms. The syndrome usually appears following a recent infectious illness, such as a cold or flu, sore throat or diarrhea, or recent immunization. Symptoms begin with tingling and weakness in the legs or arms. Paralysis may develop over a few days or weeks.

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