Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Guillain-Barré syndrome and its clinical variants are a group of rapidly progressing, potentially debilitating neurologic disorders that may have significant morbidity/mortality if left unrecognized or untreated. The most common symptoms include ascending limb weakness and paralysis, which may progress to respiratory failure. Diagnosis is made clinically with laboratory testing. Several treatment options exist, including plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin administration. Most cases may resolve without sequelae, but those that do not may leave behind significant persistent debility.