plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins (ivig) are the two main immunotherapy treatments for gbs. plasmapheresis attempts to reduce the body's attack on the nervous system by filtering antibodies out of the bloodstream. similarly, administration of ivig neutralizes harmful antibodies and inflammation. these two treatments are equally effective, but a combination of the two is not significantly better than either alone. plasmapheresis speeds recovery when used within four weeks of the onset of symptoms. ivig works as well as plasmapheresis when started within two weeks of the onset of symptoms, and has fewer complications. ivig is usually used first because of its ease of administration and safety. its use is not without risk; occasionally it causes liver inflammation, or in rare cases, kidney failure. glucocorticoids alone have not been found to be effective in speeding recovery and could potentially delay recovery.