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The disease usually subsides spontaneously over time but symptoms may be severe during the course of the disorder. Hospitalization is usually required, and intensive care with life support (support of breathing, especially) may be necessary.

Plasmapheresis may decrease the severity of the symptoms and facilitate a more rapid recovery. Blood plasma, which contains antibodies, is removed from the body and replaced with intravenous fluids or antibody-free donated plasma. Intravenous immune globulin is equally effective in reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms.

Other symptoms are treated as necessary. This may include measures to prevent choking during feeding (through positioning or use of a feeding tube), intermittent bladder catheterization, or other treatments. Pain should be treated aggressively with anti-inflammatory agents and possibly narcotics.

Prognosis

Almost all cases (95%) survive. About 75% recover completely. Mild weakness may persist for some people. However, the disorder may be also be fatal. The outcome is most likely to be very good when symptoms are relieved within 3 weeks after they begin.

Complications

Breathing difficulty (respiratory failure)

Aspiration of food/fluids into the lungs

Pneumonia

Increased risk of infections

Deep vein thrombosis

Permanent loss of movement of an area

Contractures of joints or other deformity

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if loss of movement, decreased sensation, or other emergency symptoms occur, including difficulty swallowing or breathing, feeling "unable to take a deep breath", or fainting.

Ency. home > Disease > G > Guillain-Barre

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