View source for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

== Overview ==
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. The disorder, which is sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, is caused by damage to the [[myelin sheath]] (the fatty protective covering on nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves.<ref name="NINDS">{{cite web |title=Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Information Page |url=https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Chronic-Inflammatory-Demyelinating-Polyneuropathy-CIDP-Information-Page |publisher=National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke |accessdate=2020-09-10}}</ref>

[[Image:Detail-31764.jpg|thumb|center|Close-up of a nerve fiber with damaged myelin sheath, representing Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-31765.jpg|thumb|center|Close-up of a nerve fiber with damaged myelin sheath, representing Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of CIDP include weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs. These symptoms may progress over time, leading to significant disability. Other symptoms may include fatigue, pain, balance problems, and difficulty with hand-eye coordination. The severity and pattern of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.<ref name="NINDS"/>

[[Image:Detail-31766.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a person experiencing numbness and tingling in their extremities, common symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-31767.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a person experiencing numbness and tingling in their extremities, common symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Causes ==
The exact cause of CIDP is unknown. However, it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves. Some cases of CIDP may be associated with other medical conditions, such as [[hepatitis C]], [[HIV]], or [[diabetes]].<ref name="NINDS"/>

[[Image:Detail-31768.jpg|thumb|center|Illustration of an immune cell attacking the myelin sheath of a nerve fiber, representing the suspected autoimmune cause of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-31769.jpg|thumb|center|Illustration of an immune cell attacking the myelin sheath of a nerve fiber, representing the suspected autoimmune cause of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of CIDP involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as various tests to assess nerve function. These tests may include nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and a nerve biopsy. A lumbar puncture may also be performed to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid.<ref name="NINDS"/>

[[Image:Detail-31770.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a doctor performing a nerve conduction study, a common diagnostic test for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-31771.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a doctor performing a nerve conduction study, a common diagnostic test for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Treatment ==
Treatment for CIDP typically involves medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. These may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Physical therapy may also be beneficial to improve strength and mobility.<ref name="NINDS"/>

[[Image:Detail-31772.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a patient receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, a common treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-31773.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a patient receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, a common treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for individuals with CIDP varies. Some people may experience periods of remission, while others may have a more chronic course with progressive disability. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis.<ref name="NINDS"/>

[[Image:Detail-31774.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a person with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy using a cane for mobility, indicating the potential for disability in this condition.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-31775.jpg|thumb|center|Representation of a person with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy using a cane for mobility, indicating the potential for disability in this condition.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== See Also ==
* [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]
* [[Multiple sclerosis]]
* [[Peripheral neuropathy]]
* [[Autoimmune diseases]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]