Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

General information about symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This symptom information has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Furthermore, symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of symptoms and whether they are indeed symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

List of symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: The list of symptoms mentioned in various sources for Guillain-Barre Syndrome includes:

• Acute neuromuscular paralysis
• Progressive muscle weakness
• Tingling sensations
• Onset within hours or up to 3-4 weeks
• Leg weakness
• Leg tingling
• Arms weakness
• Arms tingling
• Upper body weakness
• Upper body tingling
• Paralysis
• Facial paralysis
• Loss of reflexes
• Dysautonomia
• Blood pressure changes
• Arrhythmias

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases, the disorder is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency. The patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although some continue to have some degree of weakness. ¹

Symptoms range from weakness and tingling sensations in the legs to spread to the arms and upper body. While most patients recover with no, or minor, long term effects, total paralysis and the need for ventilatory assist and death can result. ²

The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all, and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. This may include a temporary distortion of facial appearance as facial muscles become paralyzed. In these cases the disorder is life threatening -- potentially interfering with blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing -- and is considered a medical emergency. The patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing and is watched closely for problems such as an abnormal heartbeat, infections, blood clots, and high or low blood pressure. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some continue to have minor problems. ³

Tingling in the fingers and toes, general muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, paralysis. ⁴

More symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: In addition to the above information, to get a full picture of the possible symptoms of this condition and its related conditions, it may be necessary to examine symptoms that may be caused by complications of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, underlying causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, associated conditions for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, risk factors for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or other related conditions.

Medical articles on symptoms: These general reference articles may be of interest:

• Symptoms of the Silent Killer Diseases
• Symptoms and Medical Malpractice

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