A disease of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness in the limbs. It customarily occurs up to three weeks after an infection – for example, CAMPYLOBACTER infection of the gastrointestinal tract provoking an allergic response in the nerves. It has also been described as associated with ZIKA VIRUS infection. It may begin with weakness of the legs and gradually spread up the body. In the worst cases the patient may become totally paralysed and require to be artificially ventilated. Despite this, recovery is the rule.