Guillian-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disease which affects about 100,000 people. In the case of GBS the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The early symptoms would be weakness or tingling in the legs. If the disease is severe it can cause the person to be paralyzed. GBS can interfere with breathing and cause abnormal heart beats, blood clots and infections. Most people recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some continue to have a certain degree of weakness. It can affect anybody. It can strike at any age and both sexes are equally prone to the disorder. Usually Guillain-Barre occurs a few days or weeks after symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome.Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, 37, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Danny is not paralyzed, but has been advised by his doctors to remain immobile during his recovery. In June 2011, The Gainesville Sun reported that Wuerffel was suffering from Guillain–Barre syndrome.Wuerffel began work at Desire Street Ministries, a non-profit faith-based organization focusing on spiritual and community development in one of the poorest areas of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home and Desire Street Ministries. He made national news with his calls to action and plans to rebuild Desire Street Ministries and New Orleans.
(via CBSnews)