Autoimmune mediated acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy resulting in ascending motor paralysis, sensory symptoms and loss of deep tendon reflexes 

History of preceding viral or diarrheal illness – Associated with campylobacter jejuni

Paresthesia, areflexia, cranial nerve palsies, symptoms of dysautonomia such as fluctuating BP, temperature, heart rate 

Respiratory muscle weakness can occur in severe cases

Ascending motor weakness usually starting in the lower limbs and altered sensation.

Bloods: Serology for viruses such as EBV, CMV, HIV and Anti-ganglioside antibodies 

Lumbar Puncture: Increased CSF protein with low cell count

Stool Culture: Screen for Campylobacter Jejuni

Other: Nerve conduction studies

Medical: Intravenous immunoglobulins, Plasma exchange and rehabilitation

Monitoring: Cardiac and regular lung function tests

Admission: ITU and ventilation for respiratory compromise

Majority of patients recover fully

5-10% left with significant disability. 

Poor prognosis is associated with elderly, significant disability at 2 weeks, history of preceding diarrhea and significant abnormality in nerve conduction studies. Recurrence of GBS is very rare.