What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the **peripheral nervous system**—the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This attack damages the nerves or their protective covering (myelin), disrupting signals between the brain and body. The result can range from mild muscle weakness to severe paralysis. - **Cause**: The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but GBS often follows a bacterial or viral infection. Common triggers include: - *Campylobacter jejuni* (a bacteria linked to undercooked poultry) - Respiratory infections (like the flu) - Gastrointestinal infections - Viruses such as Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, or Zika - **Other Triggers**: Rarely, GBS has been linked to recent surgeries, certain vaccinations (though the risk is extremely low, about 1-2 cases per million), or cancers like lymphoma. --- ### Symptoms GBS s...