What it means
An acute disorder of the peripheral nerves. The immune systemih-MYOON SIS-tumThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.Full entry , often a few weeks after a stomach or lung infection, damages the coating of the nerves, so signals travel poorly. Weakness and tingling usually begin in the feet and legs and move upward, and can reach the breathing muscles. Most people recover slowly over weeks to months. It is named after Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré, French neurologists who described it in 1916.
For the nurse
The biggest danger is breathing failure. Check breathing strength, the ability to cough and swallow, and oxygen levels often, and report any decline at once. Watch the heart rate and blood pressure, which can swing, prevent clots and pressure injuries, and support the client, who is usually fully alert and frightened.
At a glance
| Spanish | síndrome de Guillain-Barré |
|---|---|
| Also written | Guillain-Barré syndrome, Guillain-Barre, Guillain-Barré |
Related terms
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
peripheral nervous system
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which link them to the rest of the body.
weakness
A loss of muscle strength, so that moving a part of the body takes more effort or cannot be done.
lumbar puncture
A procedure in which a needle is put between two bones in the lower back to take out spinal fluid or give medicine; a spinal tap.