Guillain–Barré syndrome
an acute, progressive, demyelinating type of peripheral neuropathy that starts with muscular weakness and loss of normal sensation in the extremities, spreading inward as the disease progresses. The condition often begins in the feet and ascends toward the head. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the individual is almost totally paralyzed, in which case the disorder is life threatening. Because the syndrome often develops after an infection, it may result from an immune reaction. [Georges Guillain (1876–1961) and Jean Barré (1880–1967), French neurologists]