Symptoms of Gillian Beret Disease

A rare disease, Gillian-Barré syndrome affects only about one to two people in every 100,000, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gillian-Barré syndrome is a disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the nerves. This disease progresses quickly, and when it does, it can cause total-body paralysis. It can take just three weeks after the first sign of symptoms for paralysis to set in. Though there is no cure for this syndrome, if caught and treated early, Gillian-Barré can be controlled.

Early Symptoms

• The first symptoms people with Gillian-Barré typically notice is numbing in their fingers and toes. Assuming it’s indicative of nothing, these symptoms may go unnoticed or just dismissed.

More Noticeable Symptoms

• Because of the rapid progression of Gillian-Barré, the inability to walk can develop just hours after the first symptoms appear.

Advancing Symptoms

• Difficulty with some basic bodily functions may develop. Problems swallowing can cause patients to choke. Speaking and chewing, and eye and facial movement can also be affected.

Serious Symptoms

• The National Institutes of Health reports that some patients need to be on a respirator to help them breath. You will also be monitored for low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, infections and blood clots.

Paralysis

• Full-body paralysis can set in as soon as three weeks following your first symptom. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke claim that most patients will achieve their greatest level of weakness after only two weeks.