Guillain-Barré Syndrome is best described as which?

• A. An autoimmune disease causing demyelination of the central nervous system
• B. An autoimmune disease causing demyelination of the peripheral nervous system and often triggered by infection
• C. A chronic degenerative brain disease
• D. A genetic neuropathy causing painful cramps

Answer: (B)

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune attack on the peripheral nervous system’s myelin, often triggered by a preceding infection. This causes rapid, ascending weakness and loss of reflexes as nerve conduction is disrupted from demyelination. The pathology is in the peripheral nerves, not the brain or spinal cord, which distinguishes it from central nervous system demyelinating diseases. It is typically acute or subacute rather than chronic, and it is not genetic. Treatments focus on supporting ventilation and function while immune therapies such as plasmapheresis or IV immunoglobulin help reduce the autoimmune attack.