14 Symptoms of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS)

2. Muscle Weakness in Your Legs

Muscle weakness in the legs is one of the earliest and most common signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Damage to these nerves interferes with the signals that normally travel from the nervous system to the muscles, leading to reduced muscle strength.

The weakness usually begins in the feet and lower legs. Many people first notice difficulty walking or climbing stairs. The legs may feel heavy, and a person may trip more often or struggle to stand from a seated position. Both legs are typically affected rather than just one side. Over several days or weeks, the weakness often moves upward to the thighs and hips.

In some cases, it continues to spread and may involve the arms and upper body as the condition progresses. Reflexes in the knees and ankles may also become weak or disappear. Some people progress to partial or full paralysis of the legs. They may need support to stand or walk. In severe cases, they cannot move their legs at all.

3. Difficulty Walking Steadily

Difficulty walking steadily is a common symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome. It often begins when nerve damage disrupts the signals that control muscle movement in the feet and legs. As a result, the legs may not respond the way they used to.

Many people first notice problems with simple movements such as climbing stairs or getting up from a chair. Their steps may feel heavy or slow, and they may trip more often because lifting the feet becomes harder. Nerve damage can also affect the body’s sense of position and movement. When these sensory signals are disrupted, the brain does not receive accurate information from the legs and feet.

This can affect balance and make walking feel unsteady. The problem usually affects both sides of the body and often worsens over several days or weeks. Children may suddenly stop walking, while adults might need support from walls, canes, or others. As the weakness spreads upward, walking can become very difficult or temporarily impossible.

4. Difficulty Moving Your Eyes or Face

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect the nerves that control the eyes and facial muscles. When these nerves become damaged, the muscles may not receive clear signals, which can interfere with normal eye and facial movements. A person may have trouble moving the eyes in different directions or focusing on objects.

Because the eye muscles may not move in a smooth and coordinated way, blurred or double vision can occur. In certain forms of the condition, such as Miller Fisher syndrome, problems with eye movement may appear early. Facial weakness is another common sign. One or both sides of the face may feel weak or appear to droop.

Movements such as smiling, blinking, raising the eyebrows, or closing the eyes fully can become difficult. Weakness in the facial muscles may also affect speech and eating. Speech may sound slurred, and controlling food or liquids in the mouth can become harder if the lips and cheeks do not move well.

5. Severe Lower Back Pain

Severe lower back pain is a common early symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome. It often develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks nerves near the spinal cord. This reaction causes inflammation in the nerve roots, which can trigger strong pain signals.

As these nerves become irritated, a person may feel deep, aching pain in the lower spine. The discomfort can appear suddenly and may worsen at night. In some people, this pain begins before muscle weakness or tingling develops. The pain may remain in the lower back or spread to the hips and legs.

Some people describe the pain as throbbing or shooting down their legs due to irritated nerves. This discomfort can make it hard to sit, stand, or sleep, and even light movement may increase the pain. Because lower back pain is common in many conditions, people may not recognize it as a sign of a nerve disorder at first.

6. Loss of Bladder Control

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect the autonomic nerves that control automatic body functions, including bladder control. When these nerves become damaged, they cannot send clear signals between the bladder and the brain.

This disruption interferes with the normal control of urination. As a result, some people may have trouble holding urine and may leak urine without meaning to, especially when they feel a sudden urge to go. Others may find it difficult to start urination or to fully empty the bladder, which can cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.

In some cases, urine may remain in the bladder longer than normal. This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections if the bladder does not empty completely. These bladder changes often appear along with other nerve-related symptoms, such as weakness or numbness in the legs. Guillain-Barré syndrome usually affects both sides of the body, which helps doctors recognize the pattern of nerve involvement.

7. Fast Heart Rate and Difficulty Breathing

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect the nerves that control automatic body functions, including heart rate and breathing. When these nerves become damaged, the signals that regulate the heart and breathing muscles may not work properly. As a result, a person may notice a fast heart rate or feel short of breath.

A fast heart rate may feel like pounding, racing, or fluttering in the chest. The pulse may increase even while the person is resting. Some people may also develop changes in blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness or fainting. Breathing problems can occur when the condition weakens the muscles that help expand the lungs.

The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, may become weak. This can make it harder to take deep breaths or breathe normally. Warning signs include shortness of breath while lying down, trouble speaking full sentences, choking or difficulty swallowing, and bluish lips or fingertips.

These symptoms can become serious if they progress. Some people may need breathing support in a hospital while the nerves recover. Medical teams often monitor heart rhythm, breathing strength, and oxygen levels closely to prevent complications.

8. Paralysis

Paralysis is one of the most serious symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome. It occurs when the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, which carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. When these nerves become damaged, the signals cannot travel properly, and the muscles are unable to work as they should.

Paralysis often begins as weakness in the legs. A person may first notice difficulty walking or standing. Over several days or weeks, the weakness can spread upward to the arms, face, and chest. This pattern is known as ascending paralysis because it progresses from the lower body toward the upper body.

In mild cases, a person may lose only part of their muscle strength. In more severe cases, they may not be able to move their arms or legs at all. Weakness in the facial muscles can also affect speaking, chewing, or closing the eyes. If the paralysis reaches the chest muscles, breathing can become difficult.

9. Difficulty Speaking or Swallowing

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect the nerves that control the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. When these nerves become damaged, the muscles may not receive clear signals, which can interfere with speaking and swallowing.

A person may begin to notice changes in speech. The voice may sound slurred, weak, or nasal because the lips, tongue, and facial muscles do not move as smoothly as they should. Forming words or chewing food may also take more effort, and family members often notice the change in speech early. Swallowing problems can develop when the throat muscles lose strength. Food or liquid may move slowly through the throat or feel as if it is stuck.

Some people may cough or choke while eating or drinking. These swallowing difficulties can increase the risk of food or liquid entering the airway instead of the stomach. This can cause breathing problems or chest infections, especially if a weak cough makes clearing the airway difficult. In more severe cases, a person may not be able to swallow safely at all.

10. Neurological Symptoms

Guillain-Barré syndrome affects the peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. When the immune system attacks these nerves, normal signal transmission becomes disrupted. This disruption can lead to several neurological symptoms that may appear quickly and worsen over days or weeks.

Many people first notice unusual sensations in their feet or hands. These may include tingling, pins and needles, or a crawling feeling under the skin. Some also experience numbness or reduced sensation in the fingers and toes. Reflexes in the knees and ankles may decrease or disappear early in the illness.

This happens because damaged nerves cannot carry signals properly, which weakens normal reflex responses. In some cases, the nerves that control the eyes and face may also be affected. A person may have trouble moving the eyes, focusing clearly, or maintaining balance. Certain forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause early weakness in the eye muscles and problems with coordination.

The condition may also affect autonomic nerves, which control automatic body functions. This can lead to changes in heart rate, swings in blood pressure, abnormal sweating, or problems with digestion and bladder control. Pain can also occur as part of the neurological symptoms. Some people experience deep, aching pain in the back or legs, especially at night, before or during the onset of weakness.

11. Bowel and Bladder Problems

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect the autonomic nerves that control the bowel and bladder. These nerves regulate body functions that occur automatically, including urination and bowel movements. When these nerves do not work properly, bladder function may change.

Some people may have difficulty emptying the bladder, which can lead to urine retention. When the bladder does not empty fully, it may cause discomfort, pressure in the lower abdomen, or increase the risk of infection. Others may lose some bladder control and experience urine leakage or sudden, strong urges to urinate.

These changes can appear as nerve damage progresses. Bowel function can also be affected. The intestines may move stool more slowly than normal, which can lead to constipation. Weak abdominal muscles may also make it harder to pass stool. In less common cases, a person may lose control of bowel movements.

These symptoms may occur along with other signs of nerve involvement, such as muscle weakness, numbness, or reduced reflexes. As nerve function gradually improves, bowel and bladder control often return, although recovery time can vary from person to person.

12. Lingering Numbness or Weakness After Recovery

Some people continue to feel numbness or weakness after the main phase of Guillain-Barré syndrome has passed. They may be able to walk again but notice that their legs tire easily. Simple tasks such as climbing stairs or lifting objects may still feel more difficult than before.

Numbness often affects the feet or hands. A person may describe it as reduced feeling, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation. These symptoms occur because the peripheral nerves are still recovering from the damage caused during the illness.

Recovery can take weeks or months because nerves heal slowly. As the nerves recover, strength and feeling may gradually return. Many people regain most of their strength, but some may still have mild weakness or numbness.

Symptoms may include mild muscle weakness in the arms or legs, reduced reflexes, tingling in fingers or toes, and balance issues during quick movements. Fatigue during physical activity may also occur as the muscles and nerves continue to recover.

13. Blood Pressure and Heart Problems

Some people continue to feel numbness or weakness after the main phase of Guillain-Barré syndrome has passed. This happens because the nerves that were damaged by the immune system need time to repair. Nerve healing is a slow process, and signals between the nerves and muscles may not fully return right away.

As a result, a person may be able to walk again but still notice that the legs tire easily. Tasks such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or standing for long periods may feel harder than before. Numbness often affects the feet or hands. A person may describe it as reduced feeling, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation.

Balance may also feel less steady because the nerves that help sense movement and position are still recovering. Lingering symptoms may include mild muscle weakness in the legs or arms, decreased reflexes, tingling in the fingers or toes, and occasional problems with balance during quick movements.

14. Blood Clots and Bed Sores

People with Guillain-Barré syndrome may spend long periods in bed because severe muscle weakness or paralysis limits movement. When the body remains still for extended periods, blood flow can slow and constant pressure may build on certain areas of the skin. These changes increase the risk of complications such as blood clots and bed sores.

Blood clots can form in the deep veins of the legs when circulation slows due to inactivity. A clot may cause swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg. If a clot travels to the lungs, it can lead to chest pain or trouble breathing and requires immediate medical attention. Bed sores, also called pressure sores, develop when constant pressure reduces blood supply to the skin.

These sores often appear where bones press against the bed, such as the heels, hips, elbows, or tailbone. Early signs may include red or darkened skin that does not fade after pressure is relieved. Without proper care, the skin can break open and become infected.