Prodromal Malaise

GBS is a prodromal malaise. In medicine, a prodrome is an early symptom(s) indicating the development of a disorder or disease, or that an attack is imminent. For example, low-grade fever, malaise, anorexia (lack of desire to eat), and chills, are all part of the prodrome for the Guillain-Barré syndrome. The prodrome may follow 12 to 24 hours of low-grade fever, a generally ill feeling, and abdominal or respiratory symptoms, but the beginning of symptoms is usually abrupt, marked by loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting, and constipation (due to nerve damage to the bowel). Respiratory dysfunction may be compromised before signs are clinically obvious.