Guillain–Barré syndrome
Definition
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is included in the wider group of peripheral polyneuropathies and is an autoimmune disease affecting the peripheral nervous system (PNS) characterized by a rapid demyelination, followed by remyelination. There are several types of GBS.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
As the name suggests, this involves a more chronic onset than other forms of GBS. Typically, patients with CIDP have a chronic progressive or relapsing remitting illness developing over at least 2 months but then potentially continuing for many years.
Aetiology
The definitive cause of GBS is uncertain, however in many cases there appears to be a prior infection, e.g. glandular fever or campylobacter. Recent surgery is also recognized as a triggering event.
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