It is estimated that 1 or 2 people in every 10 will not recover completely from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Long-term complications
Possible long-term complications include:
- not being able to walk unaided – for example, needing a wheelchair
- loss of sensation (numbness)
- lack of co-ordination caused by the loss of sensation (sensory ataxia)
- weakness – for example, in your arms or legs
- loss of balance
- problems with your sense of touch (dysesthesia), which can cause a burning or tingling sensation in your skin; or abnormally sensitive skin that causes severe pain when you come into contact with objects, such as bedding or towels
Many people with Guillain-Barré syndrome also have persistent fatigue (long-term tiredness), and nearly two thirds of people still notice the effects of the condition three to six years after first having it.
Life-threatening complications
There is a small chance (about 1 in 20) of dying from Guillain-Barré syndrome. This usually occurs as a result of compilations that develop during the first few weeks of the condition. For example:
- respiratory distress syndrome – the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen for the rest of the body
- sepsis – the body develops a severe local or generalised infection
- pneumonia – inflammation of the tissue in one or both of your lungs
- cardiac arrest – the heart stops beating
