Guillain–Barré syndrome

Guillain–Barré syndrome is an acute autoimmune disorder in which immune-mediated injury to peripheral nerves causes rapidly progressive weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis and respiratory failure.

Molecular mimicry: An immune process in which antibodies or lymphocytes directed against a pathogen also recognize similar molecules in the body. Antibodies raised against some infections can cross-react with molecules on peripheral nerves.
Peripheral nervous system: The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the central nervous system with the body. Guillain–Barré syndrome primarily affects this nervous system, rather than the brain or spinal cord.
Lumbar puncture: A procedure that collects cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the lower spinal canal. Testing may show elevated protein with few white blood cells, though early results can be normal.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: An immune-mediated peripheral nerve disorder characterized by progressive or relapsing weakness and sensory loss lasting at least eight weeks. Its chronic or relapsing course distinguishes it from the usual acute course of Guillain–Barré syndrome.
Campylobacter jejuni: A bacterium that commonly causes foodborne gastroenteritis and is associated with several immune-mediated complications. Infection with this bacterium is a frequent antecedent to Guillain–Barré syndrome, especially axonal variants.
Ganglioside: A glycolipid containing sialic acid, abundant in cell membranes and especially prominent in nervous tissue. Several Guillain–Barré variants involve antibodies against gangliosides on peripheral nerves.
Lower motor neuron: A motor neuron that carries commands from the brainstem or spinal cord to muscles. Peripheral nerve injury interrupts the final pathways that activate muscles.
Nerve conduction study: A test that measures how quickly and strongly electrical signals travel through peripheral nerves. It helps identify demyelinating or axonal patterns and supports the diagnosis.
Miller Fisher syndrome: A Guillain–Barré syndrome variant marked by ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and absent reflexes. This named variant often presents with eye movement and coordination problems rather than ascending limb weakness.
Zika virus: A mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, and neurological complications. Zika outbreaks have been associated with increased Guillain–Barré syndrome cases.

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