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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough some people can take months and even years to recover, most cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome follow this general timeline:
- Following the first symptoms, the condition tends to progressively worsen for about two weeks.
- Symptoms reach a plateau and remain steady for two to four weeks.
- Recovery begins, usually lasting six to 12 months.
There's no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. But two types of treatments speed recovery and reduce the severity of Guillain-Barre syndrome:
- Plasmapheresis. This treatment — also known as plasma exchange — is a type of "blood cleansing" in which damaging antibodies are removed from your blood. Plasmapheresis consists of removing the liquid portion of your blood (plasma) and separating it from the actual blood cells. The blood cells are then put back into your body, which manufactures more plasma to make up for what was removed. It's not clear why this treatment works, but scientists believe that plasmapheresis rids plasma of certain antibodies that contribute to the immune system attack on the peripheral nerves.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin contains healthy antibodies from blood donors. High doses of immunoglobulin can block the damaging antibodies that may contribute to Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Each of these treatments is equally effective. Mixing the treatments or administering one after the other is no more effective than using either method alone.
Often before recovery begins, caregivers may need to manually move your arms and legs to help keep your muscles flexible and strong. After recovery has begun, you'll likely need physical therapy to help regain strength and proper movement so that you'll be able to function on your own. You may need training with adaptive devices, such as a wheelchair or braces, to give you mobility and self-care skills.
- 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.
