Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The Neuroscience program at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provides diagnosis and treatment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder that involves inflammation of the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spinal cord), and is characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and often paralysis of parts of the body, including the legs, arms, face and breathing muscles. Most patients recover however may have long-term disabilities of differing severity.

What causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

The cause of GBS is unknown. Many case, around 50 percent, occur shortly after a viral infection.

How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome treated?

Most newly diagnosed patients are hospitalized, because progression of the disease is unpredictable. Breathing and other body functions are monitored and methods designed to speed recovery are employed. Plasma exchange and high doses of intravenous immune globulins often are helpful in shortening the course of the disease.

A patient’s story