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What is CIDP?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIPD), is a disorder that impacts both the central and peripheral nervous systems. While people of any age or gender can develop CIDP, the disorder usually strikes men who are under the age of 30. In some cases, CIDP may disappear as quickly as it developed and never trouble the individual again. In other cases, the disorder seems to return periodically throughout the life of the person. There is also the potential for lingering side effects from the disorder.

The cause for CIDP appears to be a malfunction of the body’s immune system. Because the immune system fights anything perceived as a foreign substance to be a threat to the body, the system begins to produce antibodies in order to isolate and eventually eradicate the intruder. CIDP occurs when the immune system begins to identify the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system as a foreign substance. As the immune system seeks to destroy the sheaths, the nerve fibers are unable to function properly and a series of CIDP symptoms begin to appear.

CIDP affects the nervous system throughout the body.
CIDP affects the nervous system throughout the body.

CIDP symptoms are focused on the development and progression of problems in the legs and arms. As the sheaths around the peripheral nerves are weakened, the sensory function and the ability to control movement is impaired. An individual with CIDP will often begin to experience a sense of weakness in the arms and legs that seems to get worse over time, even with regular exercise. Numbness or a tingling sensation in the fingers and toes may also begin to appear. Overwhelming fatigue is also a common symptom.

CIDP occurs when the immune system begins to identify the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers as a foreign substance.
CIDP occurs when the immune system begins to identify the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers as a foreign substance.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to treat the symptoms of CIDP. When identified in the early stages, CIDP treatment will usually employ a combination of regular exercise and the use of drugs that will help to suppress the production of antibodies that attack the myelin sheath. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may be used to help alleviate some of the symptoms, such as the numbness or loss of sensation in the extremities. In some cases, CIDP treatment may include the use of corticosteriods along with the application of drugs to suppress the function of the immune system. During the treatment phase, it is important to monitor progress regularly and adjust the treatment process as needed.

It is possible for CIDP to go into recession without the use of drugs or intravenous therapies of any type. This is not usually the case, however.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon144841

cidpusa has very good information.

anon55739

Thanks for the excellent information and you have opened my eyes.

anon24688

Does an MRI show changes in the myelin sheath with CIDP in the early stages?

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    • CIDP affects the nervous system throughout the body.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      CIDP affects the nervous system throughout the body.
    • CIDP occurs when the immune system begins to identify the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers as a foreign substance.
      By: kateryna zakorko
      CIDP occurs when the immune system begins to identify the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers as a foreign substance.
    • Overwhelming fatigue is a common symptom of CIPD.
      By: MaxRiesgo
      Overwhelming fatigue is a common symptom of CIPD.
    • Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may help alleviate symptoms of CIPD.
      By: Kadmy
      Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may help alleviate symptoms of CIPD.
    • An individual with CIDP will often begin to experience weakness in the legs.
      By: jedi-master
      An individual with CIDP will often begin to experience weakness in the legs.
    • Patients undergoing immunoglobulin treatment for CIDP may have a port placed under the skin in order to accommodate the need for frequent venous access.
      Patients undergoing immunoglobulin treatment for CIDP may have a port placed under the skin in order to accommodate the need for frequent venous access.