Guillain Barre Syndrome 101: What You Need To Know

Symptoms

Typically, about half of the individuals afflicted with Guillain-Barre syndrome had symptoms begin on their face or arms. As this rare disorder progresses, muscle weakness can evolve into paralysis. Symptoms of this condition include prickling, pins and needles sensations in the fingers, toes, ankles or wrists, weakness in the lower extremities that travel to the upper body, unsteady walking or an inability to climb stairs, and difficulty with eye and facial movements including speaking, chewing or swallowing. Other signs include severe pain that can feel like cramps that can worsen at night, difficulty with bladder control or bowel function, a rapid heart rate, low or high blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Guillain-Barre syndrome patients typically experience their most significant weakness within two to four weeks after their initial symptoms begin.