Real Stories, Real Results.
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Conditions & Treatments
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Arteriovascular Malformation
- Brain & Skull Developments Abnormality
- Brain Injury
- Brain Tumours
- Cerebral Aneurysm
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Development Abnormalities
- Encephalitis
- Epilepsy
- Facial Pain, Spasm
- Guillain Barré Syndrome
- Head Injuries
- Hemiballismus
- Huntington's Disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Infection
- Meningitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Sleep Disorders
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Tic Disorders
- Tourette's Syndrome
- Transient Ischaemic Attacks
Patient stories
What is Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)?
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder characterised by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms.
What causes CIDP?
The disorder is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the fatty covering that wraps around and protects nerve fibres of the peripheral 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.
What are the Symptoms?
This disease often presents with symptoms that include tingling or numbness (beginning in the toes and fingers), weakness of the arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia), fatigue, and abnormal sensations. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome and it is considered the chronic counterpart of that acute disease. Please see patient information on Guillain-Barre Syndrome by clicking here
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 also improve muscle strength, function and mobility, and minimise the shrinkage of muscles and tendons and distortions of the joints.
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 axons is recommended. However, some individuals are left with some residual numbness or weakness.