PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the current state of Guillain-Barré 
syndrome (GBS), including its clinical presentation, evaluation, 
pathophysiology, and treatment.
RECENT FINDINGS: GBS is an acute/subacute-onset polyradiculoneuropathy typically 
presenting with sensory symptoms and weakness over several days, often leading 
to quadriparesis. Approximately 70% of patients report a recent preceding upper 
or lower respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal illness. Approximately 
30% of patients require intubation and ventilation because of respiratory 
failure. Nerve conduction studies in the acute inflammatory demyelinating 
polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) form of GBS typically show evidence for a 
multifocal demyelinating process, including conduction block or temporal 
dispersion in motor nerves. Sural sparing is a common phenomenon when testing 
sensory nerves. CSF analysis commonly shows an elevated protein, but this 
elevation may not be present until the third week of the illness. Patients with 
AIDP are treated with best medical management and either IV immunoglobulin 
(IVIg) or plasma exchange.
SUMMARY: GBS is a common form of acute quadriparesis; a high level of suspicion 
is needed for early diagnosis. With appropriate therapy, most patients make a 
very good to complete recovery.