Acute Inflammatory Polyradiculoneuropathy, commonly known as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), is a neurological disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to the peripheral nerves. It is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
ACUTE refers to the rapid onset of symptoms, which usually occur suddenly or within a short period of time. The condition typically develops following a bacterial or viral infection such as respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infections, although the exact cause is still unknown.
INFLAMMATORY refers to the immune response that occurs in the affected nerves. Inflammation, accompanied by the infiltration of immune cells, causes swelling and damage to the nerve fibers, disrupting their ability to transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles.
POLYRADICULONEUROPATHY describes the location and nature of the nerve damage. Poly- refers to multiple nerve roots, while -radiculo- denotes the involvement of nerve roots that exit the spinal cord. -Neuropathy indicates damage to the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensations and controlling muscle movements throughout the body.
Overall, Acute Inflammatory Polyradiculoneuropathy (Guillain-Barré syndrome) is a neurological condition characterized by the sudden onset of inflammation and damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and potential paralysis. It is often triggered by an infection, and its exact cause remains uncertain.
