Is Guillain-Barre syndrome contagious?

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is not a contagious disease and it is not transmitted from person to person. It is a rare neurological condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and other symptoms [1].

What is Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from infection, begins to attack healthy nerves by mistake. This attack can lead to damage to the protective coating of the nerves (myelin) or even the nerve fibers themselves (axons), which hinders the nerves' ability to send signals efficiently to the muscles and other parts of the body [1].

Symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen over hours, days, or weeks. In most cases, weakness peaks within the first two weeks of symptom onset, and by the third week, 90% of those affected have reached maximum weakness [1].

Causes and risk factors for Guillain-Barre syndrome

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown, but it often appears days or weeks after a bacterial or viral infection, such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. One common risk factor is infection with the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis. In very rare cases, some vaccines or surgery may increase the risk of developing it [1].

It is believed that the immune system may confuse certain chemicals found on bacteria and viruses with those found on healthy nerve cells, leading it to attack the nerves. The syndrome is not inherited [1].

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome

Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome vary from person to person, but they often begin with weakness or tingling in the legs and feet, and this sensation may spread to the upper body. A person might notice unexpected difficulty in climbing stairs or walking. Other possible symptoms include [1]:

• Difficulty with eye movement and vision.
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing.
• Severe pain, especially at night, often in the back or legs.
• Coordination problems and instability.
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
• Digestive or bladder control problems.

In severe cases, the syndrome can cause near-complete paralysis and affect breathing muscles, making it a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical care [1]. If you are experiencing sudden muscle weakness that worsens rapidly or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately. You can learn more about this syndrome by visiting Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Sudden Muscle Weakness After Infection (Arabic).

Diagnosis and treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome

Due to the similarity of Guillain-Barre syndrome symptoms to other disorders, diagnosing it in the early stages can be difficult. Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, a review of medical history, and tests such as [1]:

• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test: Measures the ability of the nerves to send signals. In GBS cases, signals slow down due to myelin damage [1].
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: A sample of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord is collected (lumbar puncture). In GBS patients, this fluid often contains higher levels of protein and fewer immune cells [1][2].
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): May help rule out other causes of muscle weakness [1].

There is currently no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but there are treatments that can reduce its severity and speed up recovery time, especially if started within two weeks of symptom onset. These treatments include plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy [1].

The illness usually requires hospitalization and care in an intensive care unit to closely monitor breathing and heart function. Recovery can take from a few weeks to several years, and most people recover completely, although some may experience long-term weakness, numbness, fatigue, or pain [1].

Medical references

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection