The Wayne State University School of Medicine-Detroit Medical Center has been designated a Center of Excellence by the Guillain-Barré Syndrome/Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (GBS/CIDP) Foundation International. The Center of Excellence designation for the diagnosis and treatment of the two conditions was awarded in recognition of the school's high standards and consistent quality of patient care.

Only seven centers around the world have earned the title from the GBS/CIDP Foundation International, a nonprofit organization devoted to patients with inflammatory and immune neuropathies. The organization supports research, education and patient care, and engages in advocacy in Washington, D.C., on behalf of patients with the conditions.

"Being recognized as one of just seven centers worldwide that provides outstanding care to patients with these unusual and serious disorders is an honor both to all of our neuromuscular specialists and to the School of Medicine," said Richard Lewis, M.D., professor and associate chair of the Department of Neurology.

Dr. Lewis and Robert Lisak, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurology, serve on the organization's international medical advisory board. They both will give presentations at the board's upcoming 30th annual national meeting in Valley Forge, Pa.

An inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves, Guillain-Barré Syndrome affects between one and two of every 100,000 people in the United States. The most common cause of rapidly acquired paralysis, the syndrome presents through rapid onset of weakness and paralysis of the legs, arms, face and muscles used in breathing.

Although the cause is not known, the GBS/CIDP Foundation International says that nearly 50 percent of cases occur shortly after a viral or bacterial infection such as a sore throat or diarrhea. The syndrome affects people of all ages. Most recover, though months of hospital care often are required.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare disorder that also affects the peripheral nerves, is caused by damage to the sheath covering the nerves. Patients generally experience tingling in the fingers and toes, diminishing reflexes and progressive difficulty walking.

According to the National Institutes of Health, CIDP can strike at any age, but more commonly affects younger men. Treatment includes drug therapy. Although spontaneous recovery is possible, some patients are left with a residual weakness or numbness in the extremities.

Launched in 1980, GBS/CIDP Foundation International has 30,000 members in 174 chapters around the world.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.