Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) are autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves — the nerves that carry signals between the spinal cord and the muscles, skin and organs.
They are closely related but differ in one key way: GBS comes on quickly (over days), while CIDP develops slowly or relapses over months. That difference changes how each is treated. Both are treatable, and many people recover well — GBS often substantially, and CIDP with ongoing treatment that keeps it under control.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
GBS is an acute condition, often triggered a week or two after an infection (such as a gastro or respiratory illness). The immune system attacks the nerves, causing:
📉 Rapidly progressive weakness
Usually starting in the legs and moving upward.
✋ Numbness or tingling
In the hands and feet.
🔻 Loss of reflexes
A characteristic finding on examination.
🫁 Severe cases
Weakness of the breathing and swallowing muscles, and blood-pressure or heart-rate instability.
The Miller Fisher variant causes double vision, unsteadiness and loss of reflexes. Because GBS can progress quickly and affect breathing, suspected GBS needs urgent hospital assessment.
How GBS is treated
GBS is treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (PLEX) — both are equally effective, and the choice depends on availability and the individual. Supportive care — monitoring breathing, heart rhythm and blood pressure — is essential in the early phase.
Important: unlike many other autoimmune conditions, corticosteroids do not help in GBS and are not used. This is a key difference from CIDP.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
CIDP is the chronic counterpart of GBS. Instead of a single rapid attack, the nerve inflammation continues or relapses over at least eight weeks, causing:
📊 Progressive or relapsing weakness
Gradually progressive or relapsing weakness in the arms and legs.
✋ Numbness, tingling and balance problems
Sensory disturbance with unsteadiness.
🔻 Loss of reflexes
A characteristic finding on examination.
CIDP is important to recognise because it is treatable — and treatment can prevent long-term nerve damage and disability.
How CIDP is treated
CIDP responds to several treatments, which can be combined or rotated:
- Corticosteroids — effective in CIDP (unlike GBS)
- IVIG — including subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) for maintenance at home
- Plasma exchange (PLEX)
- Steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, and rituximab for specific antibody-related forms
- Efgartigimod, an FcRn (neonatal Fc receptor) antagonist, is a newer option for CIDP
How GBS and CIDP are diagnosed
⚡ Nerve conduction studies and EMG
The key test, showing the pattern of nerve damage with EMG (electromyography) — nerve conduction studies.
💧 Lumbar puncture
Typically shows raised protein with a normal cell count.
🧲 MRI of the nerve roots
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the nerve roots in some cases.
🩸 Blood tests
Including nerve antibodies in atypical CIDP.
Reassuring: most people with GBS recover substantially, and CIDP can usually be brought under good control with treatment — protecting the nerves over the long term.
Outlook
Recovery from GBS can take weeks to months, and most people regain good function, though some have lasting fatigue or minor weakness. CIDP is a long-term condition, but with the right treatment most people maintain strength and stay active; treatment is adjusted over time to use the lowest effective amount.
GBS and CIDP care at East Neurology
Dr Tal Koren diagnoses and manages CIDP and other immune neuropathies at East Neurology in Bondi Junction, with on-site neurophysiology (nerve conduction studies and EMG) and modern immunotherapy. He works alongside Dr Ron Granot and the wider team. Suspected GBS is an emergency and should go to hospital; the practice provides diagnosis, follow-up and long-term CIDP care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GBS and CIDP?
GBS is acute — it develops over days and is usually a single episode. CIDP is chronic — it develops slowly or relapses over months. They also differ in treatment: corticosteroids help in CIDP but not in GBS.
Why aren’t steroids used for GBS?
Trials have shown corticosteroids do not improve recovery in GBS. The effective treatments are IVIG or plasma exchange.
Can CIDP be cured?
CIDP is usually a long-term condition, but it is very treatable. Many people achieve good control and stability, and treatment is tailored and adjusted over time.
Related reading
- Neuroimmunology — overview of conditions and team
- Myasthenia gravis
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- Dr Tal Koren — Consultant Neurologist (Neuroimmunology)
External resources
- GBS/CIDP Foundation International — information and support
This page is general information about GBS and CIDP and is not personal medical advice. Suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome needs urgent hospital assessment.
Book an appointment
To arrange a consultation about CIDP or an immune neuropathy with Dr Tal Koren, ask your GP or specialist for a referral, then get in touch. Suspected GBS is an emergency — go to hospital.
Or call 02 9388 0615. East Neurology is a private specialist practice focused on expert diagnosis and prompt results; your Medicare rebate is processed for you on the day.