Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)

What is CIDP?

CIDP is a disease of the nerves with weakness, numbness, and pain that can occur anytime in life. Nerve roots swell and destroy the myelin sheath (fatty tissue) around the nerves, which causes CIDP. This, in turn, impairs the function of the limbs. The progression of symptoms is variable. There may be a slow decline over 8 weeks or more, with slow improvement over months, or remissions and relapses over the course of years with possible incomplete recovery. What sets CIDP apart from other diseases similar to it is that there seems to be no viral infection present approximately 3 months before the disease is apparent.

Who Gets CIDP?

People of any age and either sex can get CIDP.   However, it is seen more often in younger adults and in men. There does not seem to be a genetic link to CIDP.

How is CIDP Diagnosed?
After taking the patient's history, a physician may perform an EMG, a nerve biopsy, and a cerebrospinal fluid examination.

How is CIDP Treated?

Treatment may speed up improvement and/or minimize the worsening of symptoms. Treatment can include corticosteroids such as prednisone, immunosuppressant drugs, physical therapy, and even plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin therapies.

To Find a Specialist

To find a physician board-certified to conduct needle EMG and nerve conduction studies click here: www.abemexam.org

For More Information

The Neuropathy Association: www.neuropathy.org

American Chronic Pain Association: www.theacpa.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: www.ninds.nih.gov

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