Guillain-Barre syndrome

An autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.  A form of polyneuritis, in which several peripheral nerves are inflamed.  It often occurs soon after a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection or after a medical procedure.  It is characterized by loss of the myelin covering the nerves starting from the toes and heading up the body.  This results in symmetrical and progressive weakness in the limbs, loss of spinal reflexes, and sensory loss.  If the muscles used for breathing are involved, the patient may need to be put on a respirator.  Treatment is based on the severity of the illness and the muscle groups involved.  Plasma exchange and/or high dose intravenous immuneglobulin (IVIG) are used.