Long-term complications
Possible long-term complications include:
• not being able to walk unaided - for example, needing a wheelchair
• loss of sensation (numbness)
• lack of co-ordination caused by the loss of sensation (sensory ataxia)
• weakness - for example, in your arms or legs
• loss of balance
• problems with your sense of touch (dysesthesia), which can cause a burning or tingling sensation in your skin; or abnormally sensitive skin that causes severe pain when you come into contact with objects, such as bedding or towels
Many people with Guillain-Barré syndrome also have persistent fatigue (long-term tiredness), and nearly two thirds of people still notice the effects of the condition three to six years after first having it.
Life-threatening complications
There is a small chance (about 1 in 20) of dying from Guillain-Barré syndrome. This usually occurs as a result of compilations that develop during the first few weeks of the condition. For example:
• respiratory distress syndrome - the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen for the rest of the body
• sepsis - the body develops a severe local or generalised infection
• pneumonia - inflammation of the tissue in one or both of your lungs
• heart rhythm disorders – including cardiac arrest
• bowel obstruction Sluggish bowel function and urine retention may result from Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• infections – particularly respiratory infections in people who are on a ventilator (a machine that assists with breathing)
The risk is increased in elderly people and people with certain underlying conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.