Living with Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
A nerve condition, also called CIDP, that causes slowly worsening weakness and numbness in the arms and legs.
Understanding Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Symptoms often start with tingling or numbness in the toes and fingers. It is thought to be caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath, the protective cover of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and is considered its chronic counterpart. GARD lists onset at a variety of ages.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Tingling or numbness in toes and fingers
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Loss of deep tendon reflexes
- Trouble walking or climbing stairs
- Falls
- Tiredness (fatigue)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, GBS/CIDP Foundation International and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, GBS/CIDP Foundation International, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says CIDP is thought to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves.
Also known as: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; chronic relapsing polyneuropathy; cidp; cidp - chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; cidp - chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy · United States
- GBS/CIDP Foundation InternationalChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy · United States
- Ben's FriendsChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy · United States
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
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