NINDS Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Information Page: NINDS
Article title: NINDS Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Information Page: NINDS
Conditions: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
What is Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)?
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder characterized by slowly progressive weakness and sensory dysfunction of the legs and arms. The disorder, which is sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, is caused by damage to the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering—which acts as an insulator—on fibers in the nerves. Although it can occur at any age and in both genders, CIDP is more common in young adults, and in men more so than women. Symptoms include tingling or numbness (beginning in the toes and fingers), weakness of the arms and legs, aching pain in the muscles, loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia), fatigue, and abnormal sensations. CIDP is closely related to acute Guillain-Barré syndrome and it is considered the chronic counterpart of the acute disease.
Is there any
treatment?
Treatment for CIDP includes corticosteroids such as
prednisone, which may be prescribed alone or in combination with
immunosuppressant drugs. Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) and intravenous
immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy are effective. IVIg may be used even as a
first-line therapy. Physiotherapy may improve muscle strength, function
and mobility, and minimize the development of contractures.
What is the prognosis?
The
course of CIDP varies widely among individuals. Some may have a bout of
CIDP followed by spontaneous recovery, while others may have many bouts
with partial recovery in between relapses.
The disease is a treatable
cause of acquired neuropathy and initiation of early treatment to prevent
loss of nerve cells is recommended. However, some individuals are left
with some residual numbness or weakness.
What research is being
done?
The NINDS supports a broad program of research on disorders
of the nervous system, including CIDP. Much of this research is aimed at
increasing understanding of these disorders and finding ways to prevent,
treat, and cure them.
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
22100
Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe
East Detroit, MI 48201-2227
aarda@aol.com
http://www.aarda.org/
Tel:
586-776-3900 800-598-4668
Fax: 586-776-3903
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation International
P.O. Box 262
Wynnewood, PA 19096
gbint@netcom.com
http://www.webmast.com/gbs
Tel:
610-667-0131
Fax: 610-667-7036
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
information sheet compiled by NINDS.
Guillain-Barrè
Syndrome (GBS) fact sheet produced by the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Información del
Sindrome de Guillain-Barre/Spanish-language information on Guillain-Barre
Syndrome compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke (NINDS).
This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided
by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD
20892
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