CIDP – Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves. There is an increasing weakness as well as numbness and tingling of the legs and arms which can develop over a period of a few months and symptoms continue if untreated. It is caused by damage to the covering of the nerves, called the myelin. If treated early and aggressively, therapies can limit the damage to the nerves and contribute to a better quality of life.
Like GBS, CIDP can start at any age and with either gender.
Multifocal Acquired Demyelinating Sensory And Motor neuropathy (MADSAM), also known as Lewis-Sumner Syndrome is considered a variant of CIDP. It shares many features with CIDP but typically is asymmetric (more on one side than the other), more prominent in the arms, and multifocal (multiple specific areas affected) presentation compared to patients with CIDP.
Treatments:
– Immunotherapies, such as IVIG
– Plasma exchange
– Prednisone
– Immunosuppressives