Guillain-Barré Syndrome: clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment

Abstract

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune peripheral neuropathy characterized by a rapid progression of muscle weakness that can lead to paralysis, often associated with loss of reflexes. First identified in 1916, GBS is typically triggered by an immune response attacking the myelin of peripheral nerves, frequently following viral or bacterial infections such as those caused by Campylobacter jejuni, influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. Diagnosis is challenging and relies on a combination of clinical assessment, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrophysiological studies, with cerebrospinal fluid albuminocytological dissociation and nerve conduction patterns being key for confirmation. Effective treatment for GBS includes immunological therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasmapheresis, which are most effective when administered early. Despite these treatment advances, GBS can lead to persistent functional sequelae in a significant proportion of patients, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for rehabilitation and ongoing support. Current understanding of GBS involves analyzing its clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, with a continuous focus on innovations and areas requiring further research to optimize disease management.