Guillain Barré Syndrome Support Group Trust

Welcome to the website of the Guillain Barré (pronounced gee-lane bah-ray) Syndrome Support Group New Zealand Trust.

Georges Guillain

Jean-Alexandre Barré

Guillain Barré syndrome was discovered by the French physicians Jean-Alexandre Barré, Georges Guillain and Andre Strohl in the early 1900s following tests on soldiers returning from World War 1. Many cases of an identical condition had been described over the preceding 80 years but these neurologists identified one of the characterising features of the disease – the increased concentration of protein in the spinal fluid without evidence of inflammation.

GBS is a polyneuritis (an inflammation of many nerves) that affects the peripheral nerves connecting the skin and muscles to the central nervous system and leads to progressive weakness in the arms and legs. It is caused by the body's own immune system turning on itself and attacking the nerves by mistake.

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GBSNZ Group disclaimer
Though much of our material has been written by neurologists and other health professionals the Guillain Barré Syndrome Support Group NZ Trust is a registered charity and not a medically qualified organisation. The information we supply is for general educational purposes only and should not be regarded as advice on the diagnosis or treatment of either Guillain Barré Syndrome or any other medical condition. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided the Guillain Barré Syndrome NZ Trust can not be held responsible for such information. This information provided is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and his/her doctor.