US Medical Term · conditions
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Síndrome de Guillain-Barré
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Guillain-Barré Syndrome |
| Spanish (Español) | Síndrome de Guillain-Barré |
| Chinese (中文) | 格林-巴利症候群 |
| Korean (한국어) | 길랭-바레 증후군 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hội chứng Guillain-Barré |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Guillain-Barré Syndrome |
| Portuguese (Português) | Síndrome de Guillain-Barré |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กลุ่มอาการกิแยง-บาร์เร |
| Japanese (日本語) | ギラン・バレー症候群 |
What it means
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing rapidly progressive muscle weakness that typically starts in the feet and legs and moves upward. In severe cases it can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties requiring hospitalization. It is often triggered by a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Most people improve significantly, but recovery can take weeks to years. Treatment in hospital includes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange, followed by intensive rehabilitation to regain muscle strength and function.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and I am rapidly losing strength in my legs.
Me diagnosticaron síndrome de Guillain-Barré y estoy perdiendo rápidamente la fuerza en las piernas.
My Guillain-Barré syndrome came on after a stomach infection last month.
Mi síndrome de Guillain-Barré apareció después de una infección estomacal el mes pasado.
I am recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome and need rehabilitation therapy.
Me estoy recuperando del síndrome de Guillain-Barré y necesito terapia de rehabilitación.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G61 Inflammatory polyneuropathyRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026