Guillain-Barrй syndrome

(GBS) rapidly progressive ascending motor neuron paralysis of unknown etiology, frequently seen after an enteric or respiratory infection. An autoimmune mechanism following viral infection has been postulated. It begins with paresthesias of the feet, followed by flaccid paralysis of the entire lower limbs, ascending to the trunk, upper limbs, and face; other characteristics include slight fever, bulbar palsy, absent or lessened tendon reflexes, and increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid without a corresponding increase in cells. Variant forms include acute autonomic neuropathy, Miller-Fisher syndrome, acute motor axonal neuropathy, and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy. Called also Guillain-Barrй polyneuritis or polyneuropathy; Landry paralysis or syndrome; and acute idiopathic, acute infectious, or acute postinfectious polyneuritis.