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Neuromuscular diseases

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

A disease that starts suddenly, in which the immune system attacks the nerves. It causes weakness and tingling that spread upward from the legs. Most people recover over time.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Neuromuscular diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

The immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. The covering of the nerve or the nerve fiber is damaged. The nerves can no longer carry commands to the muscles. It often begins a few weeks after an infection.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms usually increase over the first 2–4 weeks, then settle.

  • Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
  • Muscle weakness that starts in the legs and spreads upward
  • Reduced or absent reflexes
  • Sharp nerve pain in the legs or back
  • Weakness of the face muscles, difficulty swallowing and speaking
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
  • Swings in blood pressure and heartbeat (sometimes)

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor examines reflexes, muscle strength and feeling. Electrical tests of the nerves and muscles are done. Fluid from the spinal cord, taken from the lower back, is examined; breathing and blood tests may also be added.

Treatment and care

Treatment is given in hospital. The main treatment aims to stop the immune system's attack on the nerves. For this, immunoglobulin into a vein or plasma exchange, called plasmapheresis, is given. In severe cases, breathing support in intensive care may be needed. Supportive treatment is given for pain and against the risk of blood clots. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are important during recovery. New treatments are being researched. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

This disease is not inherited. Almost all cases occur in people with no similar disease in the family. Some genes are thought to influence the risk, but there is no clear pattern of inheritance. The disease can occur at any age; it is slightly more common in adults and in men.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics: Guillain-Barré syndrome · NHS: Guillain-Barré syndrome · MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Guillain-Barre syndrome

Key facts

How common is it?
New cases per year: 1-9 per 100 000 (Worldwide) · Prevalence: 1-9 per 100 000 (Europe)
How is it inherited?
Multigenic / multifactorial
When does it usually start?
Any age

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about Guillain-Barré

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 5 active interventional studies for this disease. 3 are recruiting now; none has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Neuromuscular diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:2103

No separate ICD-11 code; WHO classifies this disease under: 8C01.0

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.