CIDP

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

This is from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cidp/cidp.htm more information

there too. The IVG treatments go in your arm, not in your spine. CIDP is an

acquired neuropathy, not a hereditary one like CMT. ~ Gretchen

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a 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 covering

that wraps around and protects nerve fibers) 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. It 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.

Treatment for CIDP includes corticosteroids such as prednisone, which may be

prescribed alone or in combination with immunosuppressant drugs. lasmapheresis

(plasma exchange) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy are effective.

IVIg may be used even as a first-line therapy. Physiotherapy may improve muscle

strength, function and mobility, and minimize the shrinkage of muscles and

tendons and distortions of the joints.

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.

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[Guest guest]

Gretchen

Thank you so much for the information on CIDP. Now I understand it much more

and can relate more clearly as to why I will be tested for this. The symptoms

I have are listed here more than once. Will keep you posted after testing as

to the results.

Elaine

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

I have a friend who has CIDP and her symptoms came on very rapidly and she

seemed to decline rather quickly. The GREAT news is once they figured out what

she had, and she started treatment the results were dramatic. She went from

being too weak to leave her house, to being back to work full-time as owner of

her own business and almost completely back to where she used to be before the

symptoms began.

If you need to talk to someone who has been through it, feel free to email me

directly and I can put you in touch with her. She is an incredibly sweet woman

and is always willing to help!

Jackie