Definition of Acute idiopathic polyneuritis Acute idiopathic
polyneuritis: Also known as the Guillain-Barre syndrome, a
disorder characterized by progressive symmetrical paralysis and
loss of reflexes, usually beginning in the leg, with in most
cases nearly complete or complete recovery. The Guillain-Barre
syndrome is not associated with fever. There is paralysis
involving more than one limb, most commonly the legs, and that
paralysis is progressive. There is areflexia (loss of reflexes)
or hyporeflexia (diminution of reflexes) in the legs and arms.
Other conditions that may mimic the Guillain-Barre syndrome need
to be ruled out. The Guillain-Barre syndrome is due to an immune
response that results in the direct destruction of the myelin
sheath surrounding the peripheral nerves or the axon of the
nerve itself. The syndrome sometimes follow triggering events,
including vaccinations. Among the vaccines reportedly associated
with Guillain-Barre syndrome are the swine influenza vaccine (in
1976-1977), the oral po