The worldwide incidence rate is approximately 1.7 cases per 100,000 people annually
The disease affects the myelin sheath, which coats nerve cells. It causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis
It often follows an acute infection, such as a heavy cold. It is an auto-immune disorder which affects the peripheral nervous system.
No, but it usually starts from a virus or infection.
Muscle weakness in the legs occurs first, then the arms and face. Paresthesias (a prickly, tingling sensation) is also felt