Prognosis

The overall prognosis for patients with GBS is good, with approximately 85% of survivors making a good functional recovery. Miller-Fisher syndrome has a better prognosis than other GBS subtypes, and most patients recover completely without treatment within 6 months.[11]

Recovery from severe disease may be prolonged, but most patients regain the ability to walk independently.[178] Up to 80% of patients are able to walk independently 6 months after disease onset, with or without treatment.[11] A majority of severely disabled patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy have been found to walk independently within a few years.[2]

Factors associated with poorer outcome include more severe weakness, rapid onset, older age, muscle wasting, electrically inexcitable nerves, and preceding diarrhoeal illness.[1][179][69]

Most patients with a poor outcome have been mechanically ventilated. Mortality of 20% has been demonstrated in these patients.[178]

Acute and long-term disability appear to be associated with axonal involvement and a Hughes score ≥2 at the lowest point.[180]

Long-term symptoms reported by patients who have recovered from acute GBS include neuropathic pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness.[11]

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