Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Guillain-Barré syndrome, or GBS, is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body creates antibodies against its own tissue. In people with GBS, the antibodies generally attack the myelin sheath, or lining of the nerves. They may also attack part of the nerves themselves.
What is going on in the body?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by an infection, vaccination, or other factors. It causes a severe inflammatory reaction around the nerves. The myelin sheath becomes swollen. Impulses and messages cannot travel along the course of the nerve. In time, nerve impulses are blocked.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Most cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome are triggered by an infection. Two-thirds of the individuals with GBS have had an upper respiratory infection or gastrointestinal infection 1 to 3 weeks before weakness develops. Other infections that may trigger GBS include:
Some vaccinations may also trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome. These include:
Certain medicines have been identified as triggers for GBS. These include:
GBS may be triggered by a variety of other factors, such as:
No one knows for sure why these factors trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome in some people but not in others. More research is needed in this area.