Guillain Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome or GBS is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system causing damage.  The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs.

In many instances, the weakness, tingling and unusual  sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases, the disorder is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency. The patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing.  Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), although some continue to have some degree of weakness.

Usually Guillain-Barré (GBS) occurs a few days or weeks after a vaccine is administered. The disorder can develop over the course of hours or days, or it may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.  No one yet knows why Guillain-Barré strikes some people and not others or what sets the disease in motion. What scientists do know is that the body’s immune system begins to attack the body itself, causing what is known as an autoimmune disease.

Guillain-Barré is called a syndrome rather than a disease because it is not clear that a specific disease-causing agent is involved. Reflexes such as knee jerks are usually permanently lost. Vaccines are linked to Gullian Barre Syndrome (GBS).

If you or a loved one developed nerve damage after receiving a vaccination please contact our vaccine injury lawyers at 1-800-810-3457 or Get Help Now!