Guillain-Barre syndrome

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We have nerves that live outside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), and deal with our bodyâ€™s senses and movements. These are called our peripheral nerves.

Guillain-Barre syndrome (also known as acute inflammatory or post-infective polyradiculoneuropathy) is a rare but serious disease of the peripheral nervous system. It makes the bodyâ€™s own immune system attack the nerves, causing widespread inflammation that leads to a tingly, numbing sensation in the arms and legs. This can eventually result in a short-term loss of feeling and movement (temporary paralysis ).

Guillain-Barre only affects about 1,500 people in the UK every year. It is slightly more common in men than women, and can affect people of any age, even children. What exactly causes the condition is unclear and there is no way to pinpoint who may be most at risk. However, in most cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome the person had a virus or bacterial infection in the last four weeks.

Most people will make a full recovery within a few weeks or months, with no further trouble. Some cases take longer to recover from and there is a possibility of permanent nerve damage.