Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but very fatal autoimmune disease that specifically focuses on attack on the myelin sheath surrounding peripheral nerves in the human body. This disease has different levels of severity, but without treatment it can affect not only the entire nervous system, but also the rest of the body. The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that surrounds nerve axons and provides protection. It allows messages to be sent quickly and precisely to axons from long distances (Serono, 2010). Axons are the part of the nervous system that allows the electrical transmission of signals throughout the brain and spinal cord. Without these electrical transmissions, the body would not be able to function properly (Serono, 2010). When a person begins to suffer from Guillain-Barré syndrome, the myelin sheath of their nervous system is attacked and destroyed by the immune system (NINDS, 2011). The myelin sheath begins to lose its ability to transmit signals quickly and affectively. Because signals are not transmitted to the brain fast enough, a person begins to notice fewer sensory responses from the rest of the body (NINDS, 2011). A person would not be able to tell immediately or at all whether an object they are touching is hot, cold, or causing pain. Furthermore, there would not be good signal transmission from the brain to the rest of the body (NINDS, 2011). There would be signs that the muscles were unable to respond to the weakened or upset signals they were receiving. Since the myelin sheath is responsible for transmitting long-distance signals, the upper and lower extremities would be the first to show signs of muscle dysfunction. The cause of... middle of paper...: Elsevier-Guillain-Barré syndrome. (2011, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.medical-library.org/journals3a/guillain_barre_syndrome.htmMayo Clinic. (2011, May 28). Guillain-Barré syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/guillain-barre-syndrome/DS00413MedPedia. (2012). Guillain-Barré syndrome. Retrieved from http://wiki.medpedia.com/Guillain-Barre_Syndrome#Physical_TherapyNINDS. (2011, July). Guillain-Barré syndrome fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htmSerono, M. (2010, September 24). How does the central nervous system (CNS) work?. Retrieved from http://www.epgpatientdirect.org/multiple-sclerosis/how-does-the-central-nervous-system-cns-work.cfmWeb MD. (2011, April 28). What are the causes of Guallain-Barré syndrome? Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/guillain-barre-syndrome-topic-overview