When your Immune System attacks your nerves – Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is an auto-immune condition, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves. The condition usually begins as slight muscle weakness or tingling sensations in the extremities, but escalates into major muscle weakness and paralysis very quickly. 

The condition is uncommon but still affects about 2 in 100,000 people. The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is uncertain, but having a prior bacterial or viral infection appears to trigger the condition. The condition requires immediate hospitalization and treatment to help prevent complications that could be fatal, including difficulty breathing and the inability to swallow. Guillain-Barre syndrome is treated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy or plasma exchange therapy.