BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathyChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy; Polyneuropathy - chronic inflammatory; CIDP; Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy; Guillain-Barré - CIDPChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder that involves nerve swelling and irritation (inflammation) that leads to a loss of strength or sensation. Causes CIDP is one cause of damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy). Polyneuropathy means several nerves are involved. CIDP often affects both sides of the body.Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CIDP is caused by an abnormal immune response. CIDP occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin cover of the nerves. For this reason, CIDP is thought to be an autoimmune disease.Immune responseThe immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myelin coverMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autoimmune diseaseAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Health care providers also consider CIDP as the chronic form of Guillain-Barré syndrome.ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The specific triggers of CIDP vary. In many cases, the cause cannot be identified.CIDP may occur with other conditions, such as:Chronic hepatitis HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diabetes Infection with the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni HIV/AIDS Immune system disorders due to cancer Inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel diseaseUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer of the lymph system Overactive thyroid Side effects of medicines to treat cancer or HIV Symptoms Symptoms include any of the following:Problems walking due to weakness or lack of feeling in the feet Problems walkingWalking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trouble using the arms and hands or legs and feet due to weakness Sensation changes, such as numbness or decreased sensation, pain, burning, tingling, or other abnormal sensations (usually affects the feet first, then the arms and hands)Sensation changesNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms that can occur with CIDP include:Abnormal or uncoordinated movement Problems breathing Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Hoarseness or changing voice or slurred speechHoarseness or changing voiceHoarseness refers to difficulty making sounds when trying to speak. Vocal sounds may be weak, breathy, scratchy, or husky, and the pitch or quality ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms, focusing on the nervous system and muscles.Tests that may be ordered include:Electromyography (EMG) to check the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles EMGElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction tests to check how fast electrical signals move through a nerve Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to remove a small piece of a nerve for examination Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to check the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests may be done to look for specific proteins that are causing the immune attack on the nerves Lung function tests to check if breathing is affectedDepending on the suspected cause of CIDP, other tests, such as x-rays, imaging scans, and blood tests, may be done.x-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goal of treatment is to reverse the attack on the nerves. In some cases, nerves can heal and their function can be restored. In other cases, nerves are badly damaged and cannot heal, so treatment is aimed at preventing the disease from getting worse.Which treatment is given depends on how severe the symptoms are, among other things. The most aggressive treatment is only given if you have difficulty walking, breathing, or if symptoms don't allow you to care for yourself or work.Treatments may include:Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms Other medicines that suppress the immune system (for some severe cases) Plasmapheresis or plasma exchange to remove antibodies from the blood AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg), which involves injecting antibodies into the bloodstream to reduce the effect of the antibodies that are causing the problem Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome varies. The disorder may continue long term, or you may have repeated episodes of symptoms. Complete recovery is possible, but permanent loss of nerve function is not uncommon. Possible Complications Complications of CIDP include:Pain Permanent decrease or loss of sensation in areas of the body Permanent weakness or paralysis in areas of the body Repeated or unnoticed injury to an area of the body Side effects of medicines used to treat the disorder When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if you have a loss of movement or sensation in any area of the body, especially if your symptoms get worse. Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392.AllVideoImagesTogCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustration Tests for Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collectionRelated Information Muscle function loss(Symptoms)Peripheral neuropathy(Condition)Acute(Special Topic)Guillain-Barre syndrome(Condition)Immune response(Special Topic) Review Date: 4/25/2022 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathyChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy; Polyneuropathy - chronic inflammatory; CIDP; Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy; Guillain-Barré - CIDPChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder that involves nerve swelling and irritation (inflammation) that leads to a loss of strength or sensation. Causes CIDP is one cause of damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy). Polyneuropathy means several nerves are involved. CIDP often affects both sides of the body.Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CIDP is caused by an abnormal immune response. CIDP occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin cover of the nerves. For this reason, CIDP is thought to be an autoimmune disease.Immune responseThe immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myelin coverMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autoimmune diseaseAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Health care providers also consider CIDP as the chronic form of Guillain-Barré syndrome.ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The specific triggers of CIDP vary. In many cases, the cause cannot be identified.CIDP may occur with other conditions, such as:Chronic hepatitis HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diabetes Infection with the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni HIV/AIDS Immune system disorders due to cancer Inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel diseaseUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer of the lymph system Overactive thyroid Side effects of medicines to treat cancer or HIV Symptoms Symptoms include any of the following:Problems walking due to weakness or lack of feeling in the feet Problems walkingWalking abnormalities can be caused by many different types of problems. Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities),...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trouble using the arms and hands or legs and feet due to weakness Sensation changes, such as numbness or decreased sensation, pain, burning, tingling, or other abnormal sensations (usually affects the feet first, then the arms and hands)Sensation changesNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms that can occur with CIDP include:Abnormal or uncoordinated movement Problems breathing Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Hoarseness or changing voice or slurred speechHoarseness or changing voiceHoarseness refers to difficulty making sounds when trying to speak. Vocal sounds may be weak, breathy, scratchy, or husky, and the pitch or quality ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms, focusing on the nervous system and muscles.Tests that may be ordered include:Electromyography (EMG) to check the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles EMGElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction tests to check how fast electrical signals move through a nerve Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to remove a small piece of a nerve for examination Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to check the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests may be done to look for specific proteins that are causing the immune attack on the nerves Lung function tests to check if breathing is affectedDepending on the suspected cause of CIDP, other tests, such as x-rays, imaging scans, and blood tests, may be done.x-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goal of treatment is to reverse the attack on the nerves. In some cases, nerves can heal and their function can be restored. In other cases, nerves are badly damaged and cannot heal, so treatment is aimed at preventing the disease from getting worse.Which treatment is given depends on how severe the symptoms are, among other things. The most aggressive treatment is only given if you have difficulty walking, breathing, or if symptoms don't allow you to care for yourself or work.Treatments may include:Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms Other medicines that suppress the immune system (for some severe cases) Plasmapheresis or plasma exchange to remove antibodies from the blood AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg), which involves injecting antibodies into the bloodstream to reduce the effect of the antibodies that are causing the problem Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome varies. The disorder may continue long term, or you may have repeated episodes of symptoms. Complete recovery is possible, but permanent loss of nerve function is not uncommon. Possible Complications Complications of CIDP include:Pain Permanent decrease or loss of sensation in areas of the body Permanent weakness or paralysis in areas of the body Repeated or unnoticed injury to an area of the body Side effects of medicines used to treat the disorder When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if you have a loss of movement or sensation in any area of the body, especially if your symptoms get worse. Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392.