Key Facts of Guillain–Barre Syndrome: Lesson from ‘Recent Epidemic’ in India

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition, potentially fatal, immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots that leads to weakness, numbness or paralysis. The exact cause of GBS is unknown but usually triggered by different infections (Campylobacter, influenza virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus, etc.). The incidence of GBS can therefore increase during the outbreaks of infectious diseases such as recently seen in Pune, Maharashtra. Diagnosis and management of GBS can be complicated as its clinical presentation and disease course are variable and unpredictable, because there are no well clinical guidelines available. A universal applicable guideline based on the current literature and expert opinion to assist doctors for the diagnosing and management of GBS. Guideline cover the early identification and diagnosis of GBS, admission to the intensive care unit, treatment indication and selection, monitoring and treatment during progression of disease, prediction of clinical course, outcome and management of complications and sequelae.