Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

The symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include:

• muscle weakness and paralysis affecting both sides of the body
• jerky, uncoordinated movements
• numbness
• muscle aches, pains or cramps
• odd sensations such as vibrations, buzzing or ‘crawling’ under the skin
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• breathing problems.

The symptoms typically start in the feet or legs and progress up the body. Sometimes, the symptoms start in the arms and progress downwards. Symptoms may take a few days or weeks to progress. After the symptoms remain steady and peaked for a short time, the person starts to recover.