The Guillain-Barre syndrome is an illness that usually occurs one to two weeks after a mild viral infection such as a sore throat, bronchitis, or flu, or after vaccination or surgical procedure.

Symmetric weakness of the limbs develops over a few days, begins in the legs, and sometimes progresses to complete paralysis.

The face muscles may be paralyzed as well, making it impossible to swallow normally. In severe cases, paralysis of respiratory muscles requires artificial ventilation on a...