Symptoms

Guillain-Barr syndrome usually affects the feet or hands first, before spreading to other parts of the body.

It often starts a few days or weeks after an infection, such as a Gastroenteritis or flu .

Early symptoms

Symptoms ofGuillain-Barr syndrome usuallydevelopover hours or days andtend to start in yourfeet and hands before spreading to your arms and legs.

At firstyou may have:

• numbness
• pins and needles
• muscle weakness
• pain
• problems with balance and co-ordination

These symptoms usually affect both sides of the body at the same time.

Later symptoms

The symptoms may continue to get worse over the next few days or weeks.

Some people are only mildly affected, but others may have:

• difficulty walking without assistance
• an inability to movethe legs, arms and/or face ( paralysis )
• difficulty breathing
• blurred or double vision
• difficultyspeaking
• problems swallowing or chewing
• difficulty peeing, and constipation
• persistent and/or severe pain

Guillain-Barr syndrome usually reaches its most severe point within four weeks. It may thenremain stable for a few weeks ormonths before gradually improving .

Get medical help

See your GP if you notice any of the early symptoms of Guillain-Barr syndrome, such as numbness or weakness.

Call 999 for an ambulanceor go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediatelyif someone:

• has difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
• can't move theirlimbs or face
• faints and doesn't regain consciousness within two minutes

This is a medical emergency and the person needs to be seen in hospital as soon as possible.

and how Guillain-Barr syndrome is treated .