Guillain C. Barre syndrome is a rare condition in which the body’s autoimmune system attacks its peripheral nerves. It can affect people of all ages, but is more common in adults and men. Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome, even in the most severe cases, recover completely. Severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome are uncommon, but may result in near complete paralysis. Patients with Guillain C Barre syndrome should be treated and monitored, and some may require intensive care. Treatment includes supportive care and some immunotherapy. Introduction In the case of Guillain C. Barré syndrome, the body’s immune system attacks parts of the peripheral nervous system. This syndrome may affect nerves that control muscle movement as well as nerves that convey pain, temperature and tactile sensations, and can lead to muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms. It is a rare condition with an overall incidence of 0.4 to 4.0 cases per 100,000 people per year. People of all ages can be affected, but it is more common in adults and men. Even in the best of circumstances, 3-5% of people with Guillain C Barre syndrome die from complications, including paralysis of the muscles that control breathing, bloodstream infections, pulmonary thrombosis, or cardiac arrest. Symptoms Symptoms usually last for several weeks, and most patients recover without long-term, severe neurological complications. Initial symptoms of Guillain C Barre syndrome include weakness or tingling sensations that typically begin in the legs and can spread to the arms and face. For some people, these symptoms may lead to paralysis of the muscles in the legs, arms or face. 20-25%1 of people have their chest muscles affected, making breathing difficult. Severe cases of Guillain C Barre syndrome are uncommon, but may result in near-total paralysis. These cases are considered life threatening and patients are usually treated in intensive care units. Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome, even in the most severe cases, recover completely, although some may continue to feel weak and ineffective. Etiology The cause of Guillain C. Barré syndrome is not always established, but is often triggered by some type of infection (such as HIV, dengue fever, or influenza) and less commonly by immunizations, surgery, or trauma. Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on symptoms, neurological findings (including decreased or lost deep tendon reflexes), and lumbar puncture. A number of other tests, such as blood tests, may be required to determine what triggers Guillain C Barre syndrome. Researchers are currently investigating a potential but unproven link between the surge in Guillain-Barré syndrome cases and Zika virus infection. Treatment and care Patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome are often hospitalized so they can be monitored closely. There are no known effective medications for Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, treatment can help improve symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. Supportive care includes monitoring respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. If a patient’s breathing ability is impaired, he or she is usually placed on a ventilator and monitored for complications including abnormal heartbeat, infection, blood clots, and hypertension or hypotension. Given the autoimmune nature of the disease, the acute phase is usually treated with immunotherapy, such as plasma exchange to remove antibodies from the blood or intravenous immunoglobulin. Treatment is often most beneficial when initiated 7-14 days after the onset of symptoms. If muscle weakness persists after the acute phase of the disease, the patient may need rehabilitation services to strengthen the muscles and restore movement.