Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Overview
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. In CIDP, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves called myelin. This damage causes the nerves to send signals more slowly, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling that develops gradually over at least 8 weeks.
At A Glance
Nervous System condition
Autoimmune condition
Rare condition
Long-term condition
Common Signs And Symptoms
- Progressive Weakness In Arms And Legs Both Close To The Body And In Hands Feet
- Numbness And Tingling Sensations
- Difficulty Walking Climbing Stairs Or Getting Up From A Chair
- Trouble With Balance And Coordination
- Loss Of Reflexes
- Problems Gripping Objects Or Using Utensils
- Frequent Trips And Falls
- Chronic Fatigue
Types of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Typical CIDP (Classic CIDP)The most common form, accounting for about 50-60% of cases. It causes symmetrical weakness and sensory loss in both arms and legs that affects muscles both close to and far from the body. Symptoms develop slowly and progressively.
- Distal CIDP (DADS - Distal Acquired Demyelinating Symmetric)Affects mainly the hands and feet in a symmetrical pattern, with weakness and sensory loss starting at the far ends of the limbs and working toward the body.
- Multifocal CIDP (MADSAM - Multifocal Acquired Demyelinating Sensory and Motor Neuropathy)Also called Lewis-Sumner syndrome. Affects nerves unevenly, causing weakness and sensory loss in specific areas, often more in one arm or leg than the other.
- Pure Motor CIDPAffects only motor nerves, causing muscle weakness without sensory symptoms like numbness or tingling.
- Pure Sensory CIDPAffects only sensory nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation without significant muscle weakness.
- Focal CIDPAffects specific nerve areas, such as nerves in one limb or the brachial or lumbosacral plexus.
Diagnosis Journey
The following tests can be used to confirm a diagnosis of CIDP:
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction StudiesThese tests check how well nerves and muscles are working. They look for signs of nerve damage and slowed nerve signals that are typical in CIDP.Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)A doctor uses a needle to collect a small sample of fluid from around the spinal cord. In most people with CIDP, this fluid shows high protein levels but normal white blood cell counts.Blood TestsBlood tests help rule out other conditions and may check for certain antibodies or proteins that can be linked to CIDP.Nerve BiopsyIn some cases, a small sample of nerve tissue may be removed and examined to look for signs of inflammation and damage to the myelin.
Treatment Options
Medications
Medications used for managing CIDP include:
- 01IVIG(Intravenous Immunoglobulin)IVIG is a treatment given through a vein that helps control the immune system. It is one of the most common treatments for CIDP and most people receive it regularly.
- 02SCIG(Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin)This is a form of immunoglobulin treatment that is given under the skin and can be used for ongoing treatment instead of IVIG.
- 03CorticosteroidsMedications like prednisone or dexamethasone help reduce inflammation and calm the immune system's attack on the nerves.
- 04ImmunosuppressantsOther medications that suppress the immune system, such as azathioprine or monoclonal antibodies, may be used when other treatments are not effective.
Other Treatments
- 05Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)This procedure removes harmful antibodies from the blood and can help reduce symptoms in people with severe CIDP.
- 06Physical TherapyPhysical therapy can help maintain muscle strength, improve mobility, and manage symptoms.
Ongoing Research
There are multiple CIDP research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find CIDP research studies near you.
Research & Resources
Clinical research helps scientists learn more about Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and develop better treatments for the future.
Related Stories & Profiles
Explore relevant human stories and expert perspectives connected to this condition.
Patient Story
Melissa Kirkland went from holding everything together to not being able to hold a pan. Here's how a rare autoimmune condition called CIDP changed her life overnight — and why she's talking about it.
Patient Story
Britt was thirty-four weeks pregnant when her hands and feet began to tingle. What followed was an emergency delivery, five months in the hospital, and an eight-month search for a diagnosis that finally had a name: CIDP. Three years later, she is standing again, and telling her story for the person who needs to hear that they are not alone.