Guillain-Barré syndrome - Recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome

Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome make a full recovery within a year.

Some people only take a few weeks to recover. Others experience delayed recovery and may need to spend up to a few months in hospital or a neurological rehabilitation unit.

You may not be able to walk unaided, have numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, and you may have persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness).

Read more about the complications of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The following therapies may be used to help your recovery.

Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy you may find useful if you have Guillain-Barré syndrome, or while you are recovering from it. During counselling you'll be able to:

• discuss your problems honestly and openly
• address any issues that are preventing you from achieving your goals and objectives 
• achieve a more positive outlook on life

Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) is a UK-based charity offering advice and support to those affected by the syndrome.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can help restore movement and function to a person's full potential.

A range of techniques are used to help relieve any pain, discomfort and muscle stiffness. These include:

• movement and exercise – taking into account a person's current level of health and specific requirements
• manual therapy – where the physiotherapist uses their hands to relieve pain and stiffness
• aquatic therapy – a form of physiotherapy carried out in water
• other techniques – such as heat, cold and acupuncture to ease pain

Occupational therapy

An occupational therapist will be able to identify any problems that Guillain-Barré syndrome causes in your everyday life, and help you work out practical solutions.

For example, if you have difficulty walking unaided, an occupational therapist will be able to help you find a suitable walking stick, walking frame or wheelchair.

Read more about occupational therapy.

Speech and language therapy

A speech and language therapist will be able to help people who experience:

• difficulty speaking (dysarthria)
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• weakness of any associated muscles

This may involve a tailored programme of exercises to improve speech or swallowing. If necessary, communication aids may be recommended.