Key TakeawaysResearch shows there is not a correlation between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre syndrome.GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that mistakenly attacksthe peripheral nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness and possibly paralysis.A majority of people with GBS recover fully, but may have long-lasting weakness.There is not a known correlation between GBS and the COVID-19 vaccination.

Key Takeaways

Research shows there is not a correlation between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre syndrome.GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that mistakenly attacksthe peripheral nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness and possibly paralysis.A majority of people with GBS recover fully, but may have long-lasting weakness.There is not a known correlation between GBS and the COVID-19 vaccination.

What Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

GBS Previously Linked to Other Outbreaks

Experts were concerned that COVID-19 might activate GBS in some patients because a high number of GBS cases were linked to theZika virusthat swept through many countries in 2016 ahead of the Summer Olympics in Brazil.

Symptoms of the Zika Virus

COVID-19 Vaccination Safety

As distribution of the COVID-19 vaccination increases, some are concerned that it could trigger GBS in some individuals, but according to past vaccination research, there is not a high association between vaccines and GBS.

The GBS/CIDP states there have only been a few instances where a vaccination has slightly increased GBS cases:

Can Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Symptoms of GBS

According to the CDC, symptoms first occur symmetrically (on both sides of the body), usually starting with weakness in the legs. They can rapidly progress to the upper body over hours, days, or weeks.

The most severe stage of weakness usually occurs two weeks after the onset of symptoms. For 90% of people with GBS, the greatest amount of weakness will occur during the third week.

The NINDS highlights that in addition to weakness, those diagnosed with GBS might experience:

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Everything You Need to Know

How Is GBS Treated?

Since the muscles used to breathe can be affected, GBS patients are treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) in case intubation and ventilation is needed.

Currently, there is not a cure for GBS, but studies have shown that symptom severity decreases in patients treated with either plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or high doses of immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg).

After the acute phase of GBS is resolved, patients are usually transferred to a rehabilitation setting to begin the recovery phase. Physical therapy can help move muscles to prevent atrophy, bed sores, and muscle shortening. Blood thinner injections can help prevent blood clots. Occupational therapy may be scheduled as well.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Keddie S, Pakpoor J, Mousele C. Pipis M, Machado P, Foster M, et al.Epidemiological and cohort study finds no association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome.Brain.Awaa433. doi:10.1093/brain/awaa433The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré Syndrome Fact Sheet. March 16, 2020.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. May 14, 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré Syndrome. December 20, 2019.

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Keddie S, Pakpoor J, Mousele C. Pipis M, Machado P, Foster M, et al.Epidemiological and cohort study finds no association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome.Brain.Awaa433. doi:10.1093/brain/awaa433The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré Syndrome Fact Sheet. March 16, 2020.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. May 14, 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré Syndrome. December 20, 2019.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Keddie S, Pakpoor J, Mousele C. Pipis M, Machado P, Foster M, et al.Epidemiological and cohort study finds no association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome.Brain.Awaa433. doi:10.1093/brain/awaa433The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré Syndrome Fact Sheet. March 16, 2020.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. May 14, 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré Syndrome. December 20, 2019.

Keddie S, Pakpoor J, Mousele C. Pipis M, Machado P, Foster M, et al.Epidemiological and cohort study finds no association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome.Brain.Awaa433. doi:10.1093/brain/awaa433

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré Syndrome Fact Sheet. March 16, 2020.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. May 14, 2019.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré Syndrome. December 20, 2019.

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