What is a common symptom of Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Muscle weakness is a hallmark symptom of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This immune response leads to demyelination of the nerves, which affects the transmission of signals from the nervous system to the muscles. As a result, individuals with Guillain-Barre syndrome typically experience progressive muscle weakness that can vary in severity, sometimes leading to complete paralysis.

The weakness often starts in the legs and can ascend to affect the arms and, in severe cases, the respiratory muscles. The nature of this symptom is crucial for recognizing the condition, as it differs significantly from other potential symptoms like joint pain or severe headaches, which are associated with different medical conditions.