Guillain-Barré Syndrome: When the Immune System Attacks Your Own Nerves

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Guillain-Barré syndrome: symptoms, causes and rehabilitation

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own peripheral nerves.

This causes inflammation of the nerves, which damages the protective myelin sheath of the nerve fibres. As a result, nerve signals are conducted less well, which can lead to muscle weakness, sensory disturbances or paralysis.

GBS can affect people of any age, but it occurs more often in adults. Worldwide, about 1–2 in 100,000 people per year develop this autoimmune disease.

For many people affected, what is especially distressing is how suddenly the illness can appear. Within a few days, symptoms can become much stronger.

This situation can trigger fear and uncertainty. But it is important to know:

With early medical treatment and targeted rehabilitation, many people affected have a good chance of a significant or complete recovery.

Causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome

The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not yet fully understood. In most cases, the disease occurs after an infection.

Experts assume that, while fighting pathogens, the immune system accidentally attacks the body's own nerve structures. This phenomenon is called molecular mimicry.

Common triggers can be:

Respiratory infections
Gastrointestinal infections, especially with Campylobacter jejuni
Viral infections, e.g. Epstein-Barr virus or influenza
rarely surgery or other physical stress

Important:

Guillain-Barré syndrome is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone who has it.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome

The symptoms of GBS usually develop rapidly within days and often start in the legs.

Typically they spread from the bottom up through the body.

Early symptoms

The first signs often include:

Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
Muscle weakness, especially in the legs
unusual tiredness or exhaustion

Many people affected first report a feeling as if their legs were becoming “heavy” or unstable.

Progressive symptoms

As the illness progresses, the following can occur:

increasing muscle weakness or paralysis
loss of reflexes
coordination and balance problems
neuropathic pain, often in the back or legs

The intensity of symptoms can vary greatly. Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others are temporarily more severely limited.

Possible complications

In some cases, the breathing muscles can also be affected, which makes intensive medical care necessary.

Other possible complications:

blood pressure or heart rhythm disturbances
problems with the bladder or digestion
increased risk of thrombosis due to limited movement

Early medical treatment is therefore crucial.

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome

The diagnosis of GBS is made through a combination of different examinations.

These include:

Neurological examination

Checking muscle strength
Reflexes
Sensation and coordination

Lumbar puncture

Here, the cerebrospinal fluid is examined. A typical finding is a raised protein concentration with a normal cell count.

Electrophysiological examinations

Measurements of nerve conduction velocity can show whether the signal transmission of the nerves is slowed.

Imaging

MRI scans can help to rule out other neurological diseases.

An early diagnosis allows faster treatment and improves the prognosis.

Treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome

The treatment of GBS takes place in two phases:

Acute treatment in hospital
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Acute treatment in hospital

In the early phase, treatment is usually inpatient, sometimes in an intensive care unit.

Important therapies are:

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG)

Antibodies from donor plasma can regulate the immune system and shorten the course of the disease.

Plasmapheresis

Here, harmful antibodies are removed from the blood.

In addition, supportive measures are given, such as:

breathing support if needed
pain therapy
thrombosis prevention
circulation monitoring

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy after Guillain-Barré

After the acute phase, the rehabilitation phase begins, in which physiotherapy plays a central role.

The aim is to rebuild lost functions and to make the body resilient again step by step.

At KINEO Physiotherapie, we work in an evidence-based way, adapted to the individual.

Our therapy can include:

Exercise therapy and muscle training

gentle mobilisation in the early phase
progressive strengthening of the muscles
functional training for everyday life and movement

Balance and coordination training

Many people affected have difficulties after GBS with:

stability
balance
gait control

Targeted exercises help you regain confidence in movement.

Neural mobilisation

Gentle techniques can help to support the mobility of the nerves and reduce symptoms.

Breathing therapy

If the breathing muscles were affected, exercises can help to:

improve breathing capacity
strengthen the breathing muscles

Pain management

Chronic pain can occur after GBS.

Therapy approaches can include:

exercise therapy
manual techniques
relaxation strategies
education about pain mechanisms

Physiotherapy for Guillain-Barré in Zürich, Thalwil and Zollikon

At KINEO Physiotherapie, we support patients after neurological diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Our focus is on:

rebuilding strength and function
improving balance and gait
reducing pain and fatigue
promoting independence in everyday life

We work in a structured, evidence-based way, adapted to the individual, always with the aim of supporting you step by step back to an active life.