Guillain-Barre Syndrome

When weakness that progresses rapidly appears in the legs and spreads to the rest of the body, urgent medical care is usually sought, since it could be Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves.

What it is: an uncommon neurological condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and, at times, changes in sensation.

How it presents: tingling and loss of strength that begins in the limbs, difficulty walking and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

Support during recovery: the physical therapist assists in rehabilitating strength and mobility. In the face of rapidly progressing weakness, the right step is to seek medical care immediately, since Guillain-Barre syndrome requires timely evaluation.