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Guillain-Barré Syndrome revives an old tradition—a single-authored book by an expert in a particular disease process. Professor Hughes has had a long interest in the Guillain-Barré syndrome. In addition, he has personally carried out studies that involve the spectrum from clinical trials to basic studies of possible immunologic mechanisms in animal models. Thus, he is uniquely qualified to write an overview that includes epidemiology, clinical aspects of the disease (including therapy), and a discussion of animal models and basic disease mechanisms.
The Guillain-Barré syndrome has intrigued many neurologists for a variety of reasons. It is one of the few diseases that can take a previously healthy person to a state of being totally paralyzed and respirator dependent in a matter of hours to days. Unlike most diseases with a presumed immunologic basis, it is a self-limited disease. With proper attention to respiratory support and supportive care, many patients make good-to-excellent