| An inflammatory neuropathy belonging to the clinical spectrum of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The clinical course is divided into three phases. The first phase (lasting a few weeks) has characteristics of rapidly progressive muscle weakness. It is symmetrical and may cause acute neuromuscular paralysis. Sensory disturbances, intense pains, and cramps may also occur. During the second phase (variable duration), symptoms become stable but other manifestations (cardiac arrhythmias, hyper/hypotension and gastric dysmotility) may occur. During the third (recovery) phase, lasting a few months or longer, symptoms slowly regress. Many patients have residual findings (weakness, sensory disturbances, fatigue or pain) for many months or even years. In the majority of cases, an infectious disease precedes the onset of limb weakness, with Campylobacter jejuni infection being the most frequent initiating event. |
