• body's immune system attacks the nerve, controlling movements & body functions

• Symptoms of infection ~6wks before GBS symptoms begin including respiratory or gastrointestinal infection (Covid-19/Zika Virus)

• No cure - treatment eases symptoms & speed recovery

  • Most people recover completely, but serious cases can be fatal

Other Symptoms:

• A pins and needles feeling in the fingers, toes, ankles or wrists.

• Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body.

• Unsteady walk or not being able to walk or climb stairs.

• Trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing.

• Double vision or inability to move the eyes.

• Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramp-like and may be worse at night.

• Trouble with bladder control or bowel function.

• Rapid heart rate.

• Low or high blood pressure.

• Trouble breathing.

Complications:

• trouble breathing - weakness/paralysis of breathing muscles

• residual numbness

• HR/BP problems

• pain

• bowel/bladder function challenges

• blood clots

• pressure sores

Primary Symptoms:

• • weakness

    • weakness/tingling in hands/feet - early symptoms

    • Spreads to lead to paralysis

  • numbness

  • paralysis

Recovery Timeline:

• Following onset of symptoms, condition worsens for ~ 2 wks

• Plateau reached within 4 wks

• Recovery begins after plateau, lasting 6-12 months, up to 3 yrs

• 80% walk independently 6 months after diagnosis

• 60% fully recover motor strength 1 yr after diagnosis

• 5-10% have delayed/incomplete recovery

Role of OT:

• pain relief

• strength/ROM of arms/legs

• fatigue management 

• education/training on adaptive devices (e.g. wheelchairs, braces) for mobility & self-care skills

• Most common form of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)

• Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves

• Usually occurs after:

  • viral illness

  • respiratory infection

  • GI infection

  • sometimes surgery or vaccination

• Causes slowed nerve conduction → weakness and sensory changes

Recovery Timeline:

• Phase 1: Progressive Phase

  • Symptoms worsen over:

  • days to ~4 weeks

  • Weakness often peaks around 2–4 weeks

• Phase 2: Plateau Phase

  • Symptoms stabilize

  • Can last days to weeks

• Phase 3: Recovery Phase

  • Remyelination and nerve recovery occur gradually

  • Recovery may take:

    • weeks

    • months

    • sometimes 1–2 years

• Long-Term Outcomes

  • Many recover well

  • Some have:

  • persistent fatigue

  • weakness

  • neuropathic pain

  • balance deficits

  • decreased endurance

Complications:

• Respiratory failure requiring ventilation

• Contractures

• Pressure injuries

• Falls

• Chronic pain

• Severe fatigue

• Depression/anxiety related to sudden disability

• Residual sensory deficits

• Reduced participation in work/school/leisur

Symptoms:

• Motor Symptoms

  • Progressive ascending weakness (starts in legs → moves upward)

  • Difficulty walking

  • Reduced or absent reflexes

  • Facial weakness possible

  • Trouble with fine motor coordination

• Sensory Symptoms

  • Tingling or numbness in hands/feet

  • Burning or neuropathic pain

  • Sensation changes without complete sensory loss

• Autonomic Symptoms

  • Blood pressure instability

  • Heart rate abnormalities

  • Sweating changes

  • Dizziness with position changes

• Severe Symptoms

  • Respiratory muscle weakness

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Paralysis in severe cases

Role of OT:

• Improve independence with ADLs/IADLs (dressing, bathing, cooking, household tasks)

• Address residual weakness, fatigue, endurance, balance, and sensory deficits

• Teach energy conservation and pacing strategies

• Improve upper extremity strength, coordination, and fine motor skills

• Provide neuromuscular re-education during functional activities

• Support sensory re-education and pain management techniques

• Facilitate return to work, school, driving, and community participation

• Address psychosocial adjustment, coping, and confidence with daily activities

• Recommend adaptive equipment and compensatory strategies as needed

• Promote safe participation in meaningful occupations and routines