Definition

A rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include muscle weakness, muscle pain, numbness, and tingling that often begin in the legs or back and may spread to the arms, upper body, and face. Other symptoms may include problems with vision, speech, swallowing, digestion, and bladder control. Guillain-Barré syndrome can get worse quickly and cause paralysis and other serious or life-threatening problems, such as breathing problems and an abnormal blood pressure or heart rate. Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome get better over time. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a type of autoimmune disease. Also called GBS.