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What Is Guillain-Barre?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a nerve disorder. Your immune system attacks the nerves responsible for carrying signals from your body to your brain. The nerves' myelin sheath or protective covering is most susceptible to damage.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, initial symptoms of Guillain-Barre include weakness and tingling of your legs. Other symptoms include severe lower back pain, loss of bladder control, the inability to walk and slow heart rate.

    Triggers

    • Bacterial infections, HIV, mononucleosis, the Epstein-Barr virus and Hodgkin's disease can trigger this disease. While the disease can afflict all age groups, Guillain-Barre affects older and young adults most often.

    Treatment

    • A cure for Guillain-Barre doesn't exist and treatments revolve around lessening symptoms of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, a plasma exchange and receiving antibodies from donors is possible to help recover from an onset of the disease.

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