Guillain-Barre Syndrome is the name given to a rare acute illness of progressive muscle weakness and respiratory paralysis associated with absent reflexes, which develops over a period of three to four weeks, usually following a viral or other infection. Anyone can get Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but it is more common in men and in older individuals, most frequently in those 50 to 74 years of age. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not spread from person to person, and it is not clearly understood what causes the illness. Symptoms vary greatly in severity from so mild that medical attention is not sought, to severe causing almost total paralysis, which may include respiratory failure. The common initial symptoms are numbness and tingling in the legs.
Back pain is a major symptom in about one third of patients.
The sensory symptoms are soon followed by ascending weakness in the legs and arms. Other nerves, such as those controlling the eyes, are affected in over half the cases. Reflexes are usually absent or greatly reduced. Progression of the symptoms may continue for up to four weeks. Recovery is often slow, lasting 6 months to two years.