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The disorder progresses rapidly (from days to a few weeks), causing weakness or paralysis equally on both sides of the body. As weakness starts in the legs and then spreads to the arms, it is referred to as ascending paralysis. At the same time, patients may notice tingling, foot or hand pain, and clumsiness. As paralysis worsens, the patient may require assisted ventilation in order to breathe.
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The beginning phase of the illness is a rapid worsening that may take only a few hours to reach the most severe symptoms. These severe symptoms may last up to 3 weeks. This is followed by a plateau phase of no changes, then a recovery phase of improvement over days to 6 months or longer.
Typical symptoms include the following:
- Muscle weakness or paralysis (the most common symptom) or uncoordinated movements:
- Weakness begins in the feet and legs and may progress upward to the arms and cranial (head) nerves
- May progress rapidly over 24 to 72 hours
- May begin in the arms and progress downward
- May occur in the arms and legs at the same time
- May occur in the cranial nerves only
- May not occur (mild cases)
- Sensation changes
- Numbness, decreased sensation
- Tenderness or muscle pain (may be a cramp-like pain)
- Usually accompanies or precedes muscle weakness
- May not occur at all
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty moving face muscles
- Clumsiness and falling
- Palpitations (sensation of feeling heartbeat)
- Muscle contractions
Symptoms indicating an emergency:
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