When Your Body Attacks Its Own Nerves: Understanding Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Overview

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, the network that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. This can cause weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis and difficulty breathing. Most people recover, but because symptoms can escalate quickly, early recognition and medical care are crucial. (1,2)

What exactly is GBS?

In GBS, the body’s defence system, which normally fights infection, turns against the peripheral nerves. It is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system misidentifies components of the nervous system as foreign. This attack damages nerve fibres or their protective covering (myelin), slowing or blocking nerve signals to muscles and sensory organs. (1,6)

How common is GBS?

In the United States, about 3,000 to 6,000 people develop GBS each year. (2) In Australia, an estimated around 1,200 people live with GBS, and more than 2,000 hospitalisations were recorded in recent data. (3) In Europe, annual incidence rates of GBS vary between countries, with research showing Italy reporting the highest and Norway the lowest annual incidence rates. (4) Although GBS can affect people of all ages, it is more common in older adults and in males. (1,2–4)

What causes GBS?

The causes of GBS are not fully understood. (1) What is known is that in most cases GBS occurs days or weeks after a viral or bacterial infection, respiratory or gastrointestinal. (1,5) Campylobacter jejuni, a species of bacteria that causes gastroenteritis, has been identified as one of the most common risk factors for GBS. (1) In the United States, about one in every 1,000 people with Campylobacter infection gets GBS. (2) Other triggers of GBS include infections with influenza, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and the Zika virus. (1,2) In rare cases, certain vaccines have been reported in association with GBS. These instances are very uncommon, and the overall benefits of vaccination usually outweigh the small risk. (1,2)

How to recognise the symptoms?

GBS typically begins with tingling or numbness in the feet or hands. Over hours to days, this may progress to muscle weakness that usually starts in the legs and moves upward. (1)

Symptoms include:

• Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations (1,2,5)

• Progressive muscle weakness in legs, arms, or face (1,5,6)

• Reduced or lost reflexes (6)

• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs (5)

• In severe cases, problems with breathing, swallowing, speaking or eye movement (5,6)

Symptoms often peak within a few weeks. In about one-third of cases, chest muscles become affected, which can impair breathing and may require hospital care. (1)

How is GBS diagnosed?

As GBS is potentially a life-threatening condition, early diagnosis is important to ensure appropriate monitoring and treatment. (1)

Diagnosis is based on:

• Medical history and physical exam (1,5,7)

• Reflex testing (often shows reduced or absent reflexes) (5)

• Nerve conduction studies to assess electrical activity (1,5–7)

• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check spinal fluid for changes associated with nerve inflammation (1,5–7)

How is GBS treated?

There is no cure for GBS, but treatments can help shorten the severity and duration of symptoms. (1,6,7)

The two primary treatments are:

• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): removes antibodies from the blood that contribute to nerve damage (1,6,7)

• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): blocks harmful immune activity using donated antibodies (1,6,7)

Supportive care includes breathing assistance, pain management, physical therapy and preventing complications such as blood clots. (1,6)

How long is the recovery?

After symptoms peak, recovery usually begins over weeks to months. (5,7) Many people achieve significant improvement, although full recovery may take a year or longer. (2,5,7) Statistics from treatment centres show most people regain independence with walking within six months, and many recover motor strength by one year. (7) Some individuals may continue to experience fatigue, weakness, or sensory changes. (5)

Recovery from GBS is often a gradual process. (5,7) Physical therapy and rehabilitation support muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. (5) Emotional and social support can also help with coping and adapting to changes during recovery. (5)

References:

1.     World Health Organisation. Guillain-Barré Syndrome. 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/guillain-barr%C3%A9-syndrome

2.     U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guillain-Barré Syndrome. 2025. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/signs-symptoms/guillain-barre-syndrome.html

3.     Australian Government. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Australia. 2025. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/neurological-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome-in-australia

4.     Shet A, et al. POSA171 Incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Europe: A targeted literature review. Value in Health.25;1:S120. Available from: https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(21)02367-6/fulltext

5.     National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Guillain-Barré Syndrome. 2025. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/guillain-barre-syndrome

6.     Johns Hopkins Medicine. Guillain-Barré Syndrome. 2026. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/guillainbarr-syndrome

7.     Mayo Clinic. Guillain-Barré Syndrome. 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20363006

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