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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of Guillan-Barre syndrome can include:
- Breathing difficulties. A potentially deadly complication of Guillain-Barre syndrome is that the weakness or paralysis can spread to the muscles that control your breathing. You may need temporary help from a machine to breathe when you're hospitalized for treatment.
- Residual numbness or other sensations. Most people with Guillain-Barre syndrome recover completely or have only minor, residual weakness or abnormal sensations, such as numbness or tingling. However, full recovery may be slow, often taking a year or longer.
Fewer than 1 in 10 people with Guillain-Barre syndrome experience long-term complications, such as:
- Serious, permanent problems with sensation and coordination, including some cases of severe disability
- A relapse of Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Rarely, death, from complications such as respiratory distress syndrome and heart attack
Severe, early symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome significantly increase the risk of serious long-term complications.
References
- Benatar M., et al. Guillain-Barre syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/130350733-11/0/1701/245.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htm?css=print. Accessed April 7, 2009.
- Cruse RP. Overview of Guillain-Barre syndrome in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 7, 2009.
- Vriesendorp FJ. Clinical features and diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 7, 2009.
- Shields RW, et al. Demyelinating disorders of the peripheral nervous system. In: Goetz GG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/130350733-10/0/1488/410.html. Accessed April 7, 2009.
- Vriesendorp FJ. Treatment and prognosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 7, 2009.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch223/ch223c.html?qt=guillain-barre&alt=sh . Accessed May 5, 2009.
- Seasonal flu and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/about/qa/gbs.htm. Accessed May 5, 2009.
