Guillain-Barré syndrome

G.B.S., acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), Landry-Guillain-Barré syndrome, , chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

GBS is a rare condition that causes the immune system to attack the nerves.

What causes Guillain-Barré syndrome?

This condition is more common in adults and males, and often occurs after an infection, such as food poisoning or the flu.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Symptoms usually start in the hands and feet and may include:

  • numbness
  • pain
  • pins and needles
  • muscle weakness

Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome will make a full recovery within a few weeks, but some may experience long-term issues as a result of the condition.

Are you affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome?

If you’re affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with Guillain-Barré syndrome, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with Guillain-Barré syndrome from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

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Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome

If you think your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms above, encourage them to visit their GP. If they have difficulty breathing, swallowing, talking, or cannot move their limbs or face, call 999 immediately.

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with Guillain-Barré syndrome? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Carer support from The Brain Charity in Liverpool Practical help

Support for carers

All The Brain Charity's services are free for carers and family members of people with neurological conditions too.
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Friends performing in The Brain Charity Choir Information

Events and activities

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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

 Visit our library to read “Jenny’s Story“, a story book about being in hospital with GBS and the treatment involved, and Childhood GBS – a guide for carers.

Support groups

GAIN (Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies)

Find a Guillain-Barré support group near you.

Other charities

GAIN (Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies- charity dedicated to helping people affected by GBS in the UK and Ireland)

www.gaincharity.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 374 803

Guillain-Barré syndrome (Contact - charity for families with disabled children)

Website: contact.org.uk