GBS stands for Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a rare neurological disorder in which the bodys immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. This can cause muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis, which can range from a very mild case with brief weakness to nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe independently. The exact cause of GBS is not known, but it often develops after a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Symptoms of GBS include weakness and tingling, which usually start in both legs and can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing the whole body. Other symptoms may include difficulty climbing stairs or walking, weakness in the arms, breathing muscles, and even the face, reflecting more widespread nerve damage. Treatment for GBS includes supportive care, such as monitoring of breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure, and in cases where a persons ability to breathe is impaired, he or she is usually put on a ventilator. There is no known cure for GBS, but treatments can help improve symptoms of GBS and shorten its duration.