Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition that causes damage to nerves that control movement and your sense of touch. You may have mild symptoms, such as muscle weakness. You may have more serious symptoms, such as paralysis.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
- You fall and hit your head.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You cannot swallow.
- You faint or cannot think clearly.
- You are not able to move part of your body.
Call your doctor or neurologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have new or worsening skin sores.
- You have vision changes.
- You have swollen or tender calves.
- You cannot have a bowel movement, or it becomes more difficult.
- You have skin redness, a rash, or swelling.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Heart medicine may be given to help your heart beat more regularly.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Stool softeners help soften your bowel movements, decrease straining, and prevent constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage your symptoms:
- Rest when needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
- Take deep breaths and cough 10 times each hour. This will decrease your risk for a lung infection. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. Let the air out and then cough strongly. Deep breaths help open your airway. You may be given an incentive spirometer to help you take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath, then let the air out and cough. Repeat these steps 10 times every hour.
- Apply heat. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Keep the heat setting on low to prevent burns. Apply heat on the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed.
Manage GBS:
You can help build your strength and stay safe while you recover. This can help prevent another trip to the emergency department.
- Go to physical, occupational, and speech therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities. You may need to work with a speech therapist if you are having trouble swallowing. The therapist can teach you exercises to help improve muscle movement. You may also be taught ways to swallow more easily.
- Make your home safe. You may need ramps and side rails to help you move around safely in your home. You may have temporary trouble feeling heat and cold items. Have someone else test the water before you bathe to keep from burning yourself.
- Drink liquids as directed. Liquids can help prevent constipation. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods can help you build your strength. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet. A dietitian can help you plan meals with foods that are easier or safer for you to swallow.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars increase your risk for nerve damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Ask about vaccines. You may have an increased risk of problems after you get certain vaccines. Ask your healthcare provider before you get immunizations to help prevent the flu or pneumonia.
Follow up with your doctor or neurologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For more information:
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation International
P.O. Box 262
Wynnewood , PA 19096
Phone: 1- 610 - 667-0131
Web Address: http://www.guillain-barre.com
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.