William "The Refrigerator" Perry has Guillain-Barre syndrome

Wednesday April 22, 2009

The Associated Press reports that William "The Refrigerator" Perry, a former defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, is in the hospital in serious condition. He was admitted last week with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a nervous system disorder. The 46-year-old Perry remains hospitalized due to complications.

Guillain-Barre syndrome, also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, comes on quickly and causes paralysis of the muscles, starting at the feet and moving upwards. Over time the paralysis goes away, but recovery can take months, and some people are left with long-term disabilities. Less than 5 percent of people affected die.