How to recover from Guillain-Bar syndrome

Most people eventually make a full recovery fromGuillain-Barr syndrome, but this can take a long time and some people have long-term problems.

The time it takes to recover can vary from a few weeks to a few months, or sometimes several years.

The vast majority of people recover within a year.

A few people may have symptoms again years later but this is rare.

Possible long-term problems

These caninclude:

• being unable to walkwithoutassistancesome people need to use a wheelchair
• weakness in your arms, legs or face
• numbness, pain or a tingling or burning sensation
• balance and co-ordination problems
• extreme tiredness

Support and rehabilitation

Specialised services are available to help you recover and adapt to any long-term problems.

Thismay involve support from:

• a Physiotherapy who can helpwith movement problems
• an occupational therapist who can identify problem areas inthe person's everyday life and work out practical solutions
• a speech and language therapist who can help with communication and swallowing problems
• a counsellor who you candiscuss your problemswith and who can help youfind waysto cope emotionally

Yourhealth and care needs will be assessed and anindividual care plan drawn up to meetthose needs. Thisshouldinvolve a discussion with you and anyone likely to be involved in your care.

See the care and support section for information and advice about caring for someone, including sections that may be useful if you're new to caring.

Support groups

If you have Guillain-Barr syndrome, or you're caring for someone who has, you may find it useful to get in touch with a support group.

The main UK-based support group is GAIN (Guillain-Barr & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies) . You can visit their website for information or contact their helpline on0800 374803.

You can also ask the healthcare professionals caring for you about support groups in your area.