- An acute inflammatory autoimmune neuritis caused by t cell- mediated cellular immune response directed towards peripheral myelin. Demyelination occurs in peripheral nerves and nerve roots. The process is often preceded by a viral or bacterial infection, surgery, immunization, lymphoma, or exposure to toxins. Common clinical manifestations include progressive weakness, loss of sensation, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Weakness of respiratory muscles and autonomic dysfunction may occur. (from Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1312-1314)
- An acute, autoimmune inflammatory process affecting the peripheral nervous system and nerve roots. It results in demyelination. It is often caused by an acute viral or bacterial infection.
- Guillain-barre syndrome is a rare disorder that causes your immune system to attack your peripheral nervous system (pns). The pns nerves connect your brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body. Damage to these nerves makes it hard for them to transmit signals. As a result, your muscles have trouble responding to your brain. No one knows what causes the syndrome. Sometimes it is triggered by an infection, surgery or a vaccination. The first symptom is usually weakness or a tingling feeling in your legs. The feeling can spread to your upper body. In severe cases, you become almost paralyzed. This is life-threatening. You might need a respirator to breathe. Symptoms usually worsen over a period of weeks, then stabilize. Most people recover. Recovery can take a few weeks to a few years. Treatment options during the symptom period include medicines or a procedure called plasma exchange.
- Progressive ascending motor neuron paralysis of unknown etiology, frequently following an enteric or respiratory infection.