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Updated Dec 10, 2003
What is GBS?
Guillain-Barré (pronounced ghee-YAN bah-RAY) syndrome is a
disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells (outside of the brain
and spinal cord), resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS
can last for weeks to months. Most people eventually recover completely or
nearly completely, but some people have permanent nerve damage and between
5% and 6% of people who develop GBS die. GBS affects people of both sexes and
all ages, and has been reported in all races.
Updated Dec 10, 2003
What causes GBS?
It is thought that GBS may be triggered by an infection. The infection that
most commonly precedes GBS is caused by a bacterium called Campylobacter
jejuni. Other respiratory or intestinal illnesses and other triggers
may also precede an episode of GBS. In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu
vaccine was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to
evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one
of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person
out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the
vaccine. |
