Updated:

Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Written by Human No AI

Introduction

The peripheral nervous system is one of the main parts of the human body, and it is responsible for signal transfer. According to Zigmond & Echevarria (2019), one of the key components of the PNS is myelin produced by cells called Schwann, which insulates nerve fibers to increase information and signal transfer. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system develops antibodies that consider myelin a threatening component (Shahrizaila & Kuwabara, 2021). This health problem can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis in some cases. Anatomic differences play a significant role in understanding the causes of the syndrome and pathology from birth, which can become one of the main developmental factors.

Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and physiological differences in the human body may help to investigate the relationship between the peripheral nervous system and the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Bedbrook et al. (2018) stated that the peripheral nervous system comprises sensory and motor nerves that transfer information from sensory organs and muscles to the brain. The human body’s anatomical structure can trigger the immune system’s response to bacterial infections (Shahrizaila & Kuwabara, 2021). Moreover, antibodies that are part of the physiology can attack healthy cells and cause the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Therefore, experts in the medical sphere have to control the process of myelin insulation in the nerves and perform tests for pathological changes.

Standard Definition of the Medical Condition and Its Types

To ensure the proper treatment for the peripheral nervous system’s issues, experts should know the definitions and the most common symptoms of illnesses. For example, the National Health System of the United Kingdom has proposed a clear and updated explanation of the Guillain-Barré syndrome that is available for public access. This rare syndrome ruins the nerves in different body parts (NHS, 2020). It affects all limbs and increases pain and weakness—two types of illness cause breathing problems and complete muscle atrophy (NHS, 2020). In the early stage of development, people may start experiencing issues with balance, but it can progress to breathing difficulties one day.

Aetiology

The exact causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome have not been discovered, but it is predicted that an unusual infection can be the trigger. For example, Shahrizaila & Kuwabara (2021) defined vaccines as increasing the chance of Guillain-Barré syndrome development if the immune system weakens. Moreover, bacterial infections such as Campylobacter jejuni and the influenza virus are the most common cause that boosts the syndrome’s progression (Shahrizaila & Kuwabara, 2021). These problems are related to food poisoning and seasonal flu. While healthy organisms start producing more myelin to stop the illness’s progression, bodies with other chronic diseases may be unable to cope with the aggressive viruses.

Pathology

The appearance of Guillain-Barré syndrome can be considered a pathology, as the immune system defines healthy cells as threatening. Antibodies start attacking myelin and cause inflammation, causing demyelination (Zigmond & Echevarria, 2019). This problem is considered a pathology of the peripheral nervous system, and the boost of myelin, in this case, is crucial. Even though people can recover from the illness, they might experience neurological complications for a long time.

Clinical Features

The Guillain-Barré syndrome’s most relatable clinical features are muscle pain and sensory issues. NHS (2020) proposed that patients with GBS may experience difficulties concentrating and the ability to pay attention to small details. Moreover, the organization has suggested that the pain regularly appears in the back, neck, and limbs, with high nerve endings. These two factors can lead to rapid heart rate and gastrointestinal complaints. Clinical symptoms only last for a while if the treatment is provided quickly. Therefore, it is essential to control patients in exceptional hospitals if there is a suspicion of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Reflection

After reading the relevant sources, it became clear that the Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause physical and emotional distress for patients and their families. The issues appear suddenly, and it might be terrifying for the surroundings. However, to prevent serious outcomes, I believe it is important to remember that Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition that medical professionals can fully treat and easily identify. Additionally, more studies are being conducted on the production of medicines and the prevention of illness. Therefore, people should refer to the hospital for further assistance with the first symptoms of muscle discomfort or breathing problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poor myelin generation is one of the leading causes of nervous problems. Furthermore, the progression of antibodies that define healthy cells as harmful causes such health problems as Guillain-Barré syndrome. Patients should understand the basic symptoms and know if their chronic disease can cause pain. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help to avoid the issue and allow people to prevent disabilities for the rest of their lives or a lethal ending. The pathology of GBS is being studied these days, and more effective treatment has been developed to decrease the stress level for those with a weak immune system.

References

Bedbrook, C. N., Deverman, B. E., & Gradinaru, V. (2018). . Annual Review of Neuroscience, 41, 323-348. Web.

. (2020). NHS. Web.

Shahrizaila, N., Lehmann, H. C., & Kuwabara, S. (2021). . The Lancet, 397(10280), 1214-1228. Web.

Zigmond, R. E., & Echevarria, F. D. (2019). . Progress in Neurobiology, 173, 102-121. Web.

Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2026, January 18). Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology. https://ivypanda.com/essays/guillain-barr-syndrome-and-peripheral-nervous-system-pathology/

Work Cited

"Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology." IvyPanda, 18 Jan. 2026, ivypanda.com/essays/guillain-barr-syndrome-and-peripheral-nervous-system-pathology/.

References

IvyPanda. (2026) 'Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology'. 18 January.

References

IvyPanda. 2026. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology." January 18, 2026. https://ivypanda.com/essays/guillain-barr-syndrome-and-peripheral-nervous-system-pathology/.

1. IvyPanda. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology." January 18, 2026. https://ivypanda.com/essays/guillain-barr-syndrome-and-peripheral-nervous-system-pathology/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Peripheral Nervous System Pathology." January 18, 2026. https://ivypanda.com/essays/guillain-barr-syndrome-and-peripheral-nervous-system-pathology/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, you can request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked, and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only qualified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for your assignment