Logo
dictionary thesaurus

Guillain-Barré syndrome

noun
Guil·​lain-Bar·​ré syndrome | \ ˌgē-ˌlan-ˌbä-ˈrā- How to pronounce Guillain-Barré syndrome (audio) , ˌgē-yaⁿ-\

Definition of Guillain-Barré syndrome

: an uncommon autoimmune disorder of sudden onset that is an inflammatory neuropathy affecting the peripheral nervous system, that is initially marked by tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the feet and legs usually spreading to the arms, upper body, and face, that often causes severe nerve pain and breathing difficulties and sometimes progresses to paralysis and in rare instances death

Note: The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown but individuals often experience onset a few weeks after a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness. Recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome typically occurs within six to twelve months from initial onset but may take up to three years. Upon recovery, some individuals may have residual numbness, tingling, and weakness.

First Known Use of Guillain-Barré syndrome

1939, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Guillain-Barré syndrome

Georges Guillain †1961 French physician and Jean A. Barré †1967 French neurologist

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome

noun
Guil·​lain-Bar·​ré syndrome | \ ˌgē-ˌlan-ˌbä-ˈrā- How to pronounce Guillain-Barré syndrome (audio) , ˌgē-yaⁿ- How to pronounce Guillain-Barré syndrome (audio) \

Medical Definition of Guillain-Barré syndrome

: an uncommon autoimmune disorder of sudden onset that is an inflammatory neuropathy affecting the peripheral nervous system, that is initially marked by tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the feet and legs usually spreading to the arms, upper body, and face, that often causes severe nerve pain and breathing difficulties, and sometimes progresses to paralysis and in rare instances death

Note: The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown but individuals often experience onset a few weeks after a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness. Recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome typically occurs within six to twelve months from initial onset but may take up to three years. Upon recovery, some individuals may have residual numbness, tingling, and weakness.

—abbreviation GBS

— called also Landry's paralysis

WORD OF THE DAY

nuance

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!