Prognosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

About prognosis: The 'prognosis' of Guillain-Barre Syndrome usually refers to the likely outcome of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The prognosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome may include the duration of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, chances of complications of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, probable outcomes, prospects for recovery, recovery period for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, survival rates, death rates, and other outcome possibilities in the overall prognosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Naturally, such forecast issues are by their nature unpredictable.

Prognosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Recovery within weeks for many. 30% still have weakness in 3 years. 3% have a relapse. Mortality rate around 3-4%.
Prognosis for Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome can be a devastating disorder because of its sudden and unexpected onset. Most people reach the stage of greatest weakness within the first 2 weeks after symptoms appear, and by the third week of the illness 90 percent of all patients are at their weakest. The recovery period may be as little as a few weeks or as long as a few years. About 30 percent of those with Guillain-Barré still have a residual weakness after 3 years. About 3 percent may suffer a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling sensations many years after the initial attack. ¹ ... Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some continue to have minor problems. ²
Duration of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: usually a few weeks
Complications: see complications of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Prognosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome discussion: Guillain-Barre syndrome can be a devastating disorder because of its sudden and unexpected onset. In addition, recovery is not necessarily quick. As noted above, patients usually reach the point of greatest weakness or paralysis within the first two weeks. Symptoms then stabilize at this level for a period of days, weeks, or, sometimes, months. The recovery period may be as little as a few weeks or as long as a few years. About 30% of those with Guillain-Barre still have a residual weakness after 3 years. About 3% may suffer a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling sensations many years after the initial attack. ²

Most patients recover after a period of months, but some permanent impairment remains in about 10 percent of cases. The mortality rate is 3 to 4 percent. ³

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from NINDS Guillain-Barre Syndrome Information Page: NINDS
2. excerpt from Guillain-Barre Syndrome: NWHIC
3. excerpt from Neuromuscular Diseases: NWHIC

Last revision: May 28, 2003

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