Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder that involves progressive weakness and reduced senses in the arms and legs. It is caused by damage to the fat-based protective covering on nerves called the myelin sheath. Symptoms of CIDP are:

• Tingling or no feeling in fingers and toes
• Weakness of arms and legs
• Loss of deep tendon (muscle stretch) reflexes
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Unusual feelings in the body

CIDP can happen at any age and in both genders but is more common in young adult men. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barré syndrome (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body) and is considered the long-term part of that disease. Treatment for CIDP include the use of steroid medicine and other treatments that focus on the immune system, along with physical therapy.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about the CIDP and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with CIDP at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)?

More information is available from the following resources:

GBS/CIDP Foundation International

Rare and Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

MedlinePlus

Content source: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/chronic-inflammatory-demyelinating-polyneuropathy-cidp Accessed July 12, 2023.

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