Guillain-Barré syndrome usually develops quickly, over a few days. However, it can sometimes develop gradually, over a period of up to four weeks.
Once the symptoms are at their worst point, they usually remain at this level for a few days before you gradually begin to recover.
The symptoms first appear one to three weeks after a minor infection, such as a cold or sore throat.
Initial symptoms
The initial symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome tend to start in the feet and hands. They include:
- tingling
- numbness
- unsteadiness
- progressive muscle weakness
These symptoms soon spread to the limbs, affecting the legs and arms a few days later.
You may find that you only have a mild form of the condition and that your symptoms do not get any worse than a general feeling of weakness. If this is the case, you may need a walking frame or a crutch to help you walk.
Possible later symptoms
In some people, the muscle weakness progresses to:
- temporary paralysis of the legs, arms and face
- temporary paralysis of the respiratory muscles, which control breathing (see below)
- difficulty with eye movement and speech
- difficulty with chewing or swallowing, resulting in feeding through a tube
- difficulty with digestion or bladder control
- slow heart rate or low blood pressure
Some people with Guillain-Barré syndrome do not have any pain, but others feel severe pain in their spine, arms and legs.
Paralysis
The extent of paralysis varies with each case of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Guillain-Barré syndrome can be life-threatening because it can paralyse your respiratory muscles and stop you breathing. If this happens, you will need to be put on a ventilator (a machine that helps you to breathe). About one in four people need to be artificially ventilated.
If you start to feel a tingling sensation in your toes, feet or legs, followed by muscle weakness, visit your GP immediately or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
See the Health A-Z topic about Paralysis for more information.
