Guillain-Barré Syndrome in war-torn regions: the forgotten neurological emergency in humanitarian crises.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a life-threatening neurological emergency and the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis in the post-polio era. While extensively studied in stable healthcare systems, its impact in conflict-affected regions remains underrecognized. This paper highlights GBS as a neglected but significant health crisis in war-torn settings, where collapsing sanitation systems, overcrowded shelters, and widespread infections act as key triggers. Data from recent humanitarian emergencies, including Gaza, reveal rising incidence and mortality due to inadequate surveillance, scarce diagnostic capacity, and lack of access to intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. Unlike high-income countries, where timely ICU care keeps mortality under 5%, patients in low-resource conflict zones often experience prolonged disability or death. Addressing this disparity requires practical, low-cost interventions such as early recognition training for frontline workers, provision of essential supportive care, and international advocacy for humanitarian supply corridors. Remote digital consultations and safe patient evacuation can further enhance outcomes. Incorporating GBS into humanitarian response frameworks is an urgent necessity to reduce preventable neurological deaths. By bringing attention to this overlooked emergency, the manuscript underscores the moral and medical imperative of ensuring equitable neurological care during crises.