Guillain-barre syndrome

A rapidly progressive, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis of the extremities and possible respiratory paralysis with abnormal sensation and loss of reflexes. The cause is unknown, but Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is hypothesized to be an autoimmune disorder involving sensitization of peripheral nerve myelin. It is thought to be connected to a previous nonspecific infection and has been associated with inoculation for the swine flu. The incidence of GBS in the United States is 1.7 per 100,000 individuals, and the disorder occurs across age and gender lines.