There is no prevention method for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), because it is unclear exactly how the condition is caused. When GBS occurs, the goal of treatment is to control symptoms.

Early treatment of GBS is crucial to relieving a patient’s symptoms and accelerating recovery. Both treatments have been found to be equally effective, and there is no reported benefit to using both. They are:

• Blood plasma exchange (plasmapheresis). This blood-cleansing process helps to remove damaging antibodies from the bloodstream. It may be recommended for patients with more severe symptoms of GBS such as the inability to walk without help or requiring mechanical assistance to breathe.
  
  
• Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). This provides the patient with a high-dose infusion of healthy antibodies that can block off damaging antibodies in the patient’s bloodstream. IVIG is easier to administer than a blood plasma exchange and often encouraged for patients with milder symptoms (e.g., able to walk, no longer worsening).  

Treatment of GBS typically focuses on reducing inflammation of the peripheral nerves. A physician may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation associated with GBS. Medications that suppress immune system activity may also be prescribed. Corticosteroids were previously used to help treat GBS, but are no longer recommended because they may actually worsen a patient’s condition. Patients should not take any medication, whether OTC or prescribed, without first consulting their physician.

Because it is difficult to tell whether a patient with minor symptoms of GBS may rapidly progress into life-threatening symptoms, many patients diagnosed with GBS are hospitalized and their conditions carefully monitored. Hospitalized patients may require the assistance of a respirator to breathe normally, a feeding tube may be used to prevent choking during meals, and a heart monitor to track the patient’s condition. Anticoagulant medications may be prescribed to prevent blood clots.

About half of all patients with GBS will return to normal health within a year of being diagnosed, according to the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. After release from the hospital, some patients may require short-term supportive care for daily tasks such as eating and using the bathroom.

Other patients may require long-term rehabilitative therapy to help recover the loss of motor function. This may include physical therapy to help regain muscle coordination and strength. Hydrotherapy can help retrain the muscles of affected limbs and may help reduce pain. In addition, certain medical devices (e.g., wheelchair, braces, crutches, walkers) may be needed.

Counseling may help patients and their loved ones deal with the restricted physical abilities or paralysis that can occur with GBS. Lingering problems associated with GBS may also be treated with certain types of medications (e.g., antidepressants, anticonvulsants).

A few cases of GBS have been reported after receiving vaccinations. Patients who developed GBS after a vaccination may be advised to avoid future vaccination if possible. Patients are advised to discuss any concerns they may have with their physician.