What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. It often begins within a few weeks of an infection and typically causes weakness and tingling that can worsen quickly. 

In some people, symptoms can become severe enough to cause paralysis, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, which is why GBS is considered a medical emergency and usually requires hospital treatment in the acute stage.

Common symptoms can include:

• tingling or pins and needles

• weakness in the legs, arms or face

• reduced reflexes

• difficulty walking or climbing stairs

• balance problems

• pain

• facial weakness

• swallowing or speaking difficulties in some cases

• changes in blood pressure or heart rate in more severe cases.
  
  

How Guillain-Barré syndrome may affect daily function

Guillain-Barré syndrome affects each person differently. Some people recover well over time, while others may continue to experience weakness, fatigue, sensory changes or reduced endurance after the acute illness. The NINDS notes that some people may continue to have weakness after recovery.

GBS may affect:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• strength and endurance

• transfers and everyday movement

• hand function and fine motor tasks

• fatigue and activity tolerance

• self-care and daily routines

• communication or swallowing where relevant

• confidence with movement and participation.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with Guillain-Barré syndrome where there are goals related to mobility, strength, balance, transfers, walking, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and coordination activities

• strengthening and graded physical activity

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• stretching and movement planning

• fatigue-aware rehabilitation

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when Guillain-Barré syndrome is affecting daily living, hand use, self-care, routines, fatigue management, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine support

• hand function and fine motor strategies

• fatigue management and pacing

• home setup and environmental recommendations

• equipment or assistive technology suggestions where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not needed for everyone with Guillain-Barré syndrome, but it may be relevant where a person has associated speech, communication, voice, feeding or swallowing concerns, particularly if facial, bulbar or respiratory-related weakness has been part of the presentation. Facial and bulbar weakness are recognised features in some cases.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance, physical activity participation or structured exercise. Programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue levels and stage of recovery.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how Guillain-Barré syndrome is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that stage of recovery. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

rebuilding strength and endurance

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

managing fatigue and reduced activity tolerance

supporting independence and participation in daily life

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, GP, neurologist, rehabilitation team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, tingling and sometimes paralysis.

Is Guillain-Barré syndrome serious?

Yes. GBS can become serious quickly and is considered a medical emergency because it can affect swallowing and breathing in severe cases. NHS and Mayo Clinic both note that hospital treatment is usually needed, and severe respiratory involvement can occur.

Can physiotherapy help after Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, strength, balance, transfers and physical participation during recovery or where ongoing weakness remains.

Can occupational therapy help with Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, daily living, hand use, fatigue management, equipment and everyday independence.

Does everyone with Guillain-Barré syndrome need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has associated communication, voice, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can people recover from Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Many people improve over time, but recovery can vary, and some people continue to experience weakness or other symptoms after the acute illness.

Can Guillain-Barré syndrome affect breathing?

Yes. In more severe cases, GBS can affect the muscles involved in breathing. One hospital guideline notes respiratory muscle involvement in a substantial proportion of cases and emphasises careful monitoring.

When should someone with Guillain-Barré syndrome see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when GBS is affecting mobility, strength, fatigue, balance, daily living, swallowing, hand function or independence during recovery.

Can allied health treat Guillain-Barré syndrome itself?

No. Guillain-Barré syndrome requires medical diagnosis and treatment, often in hospital. Mayo Clinic notes there is no cure, but medical treatments such as plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapy can speed recovery and reduce symptoms. Allied health does not treat the immune condition itself, but may support function and rehabilitation.

If you or your family member is recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome and would like support with mobility, strength, daily function, fatigue or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Australia

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation Australia
https://www.gbs.org.au
Provides resources, support, and information for individuals and families affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Better Health Channel – Guillain-Barré Syndrome
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
A comprehensive overview of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Australian Health Minister’s Advisory Council – GBS
https://www.health.gov.au
Offers information on Guillain-Barré Syndrome, including research and resources available in Australia.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Provides support for Australians with disabilities, including those living with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association – GBS Resources
https://australian.physio
Resources and insights for physiotherapists working with individuals affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.