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What is CIDP?
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare condition that occurs when myelin surrounding the peripheral nerves is mistakenly attacked by the immune system. Symptoms impact many parts of the body, but most notably the feet and hands, making day-to-day life challenging.
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What is CIDP?
CIDP overview
Here are some key points about
CIDP
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
(how to say it: krah-nuhk in-flah-muh-tur-ee dee-MY-uh-luh-nay-ting pah-lee-nur-AH-puh-thee)
Definition:
A rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing sensory loss and weakness associated with loss of reflexes.
See more glossary terms
to keep in mind:
Up to 29,000 people in the United States are thought to have CIDP
Men are twice as likely as women to be affected by CIDP
While CIDP may appear at any age, people usually develop symptoms at around 50 years old
CIDP mainly impacts adults, but 10% of CIDP cases are in children
What are the symptoms of CIDP?
The symptoms of CIDP are often symmetrical—meaning that they occur evenly on both the legs and arms. Here are common symptoms to look out for.
Numbness of toes
or fingers
Loss of or
reduced reflexes
Difficulty walking
Fatigue
Muscle weakness And
Cramping in feet or hands
Difficulties with main
senses, including touch
In a study of nearly 500 CIDP patients, 20% missed school or work and 47% stopped working altogether due to their condition
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Impact on daily life
The symptoms of CIDP don't just affect the body—they can impact a person's daily life as well.
People may have trouble with daily tasks, such as:
- Daily grooming, such as washing and brushing hair
- Getting dressed, such as doing or undoing buttons or zippers
- Eating, including holding a knife and fork
- Carrying or lifting items, including groceries or packages
- Turning keys or opening items such as bottles
CAREGIVER TIP
Have you been helping your loved one with everyday tasks because of muscle weakness? While helping with daily tasks is important, you can use your unique position to work with your loved one and their doctor to help form a clearer picture of their symptoms.
CIDP is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the
myelin
Myelin
(how to say it: MAI-uh-luhn)
Definition:
An insulating layer, or sheath, that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is made up of protein and fatty substances.
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—a protective layer that surrounds the nerve.
The
peripheral nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
(how to say it: pr-i-fr-uhl nur-vuhs si-stm)
Definition:
The nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system sends information between the body and the brain.
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sends messages from the brain that help control essential functions of the body, such as moving muscles, maintaining a heartbeat, and digesting food.
When the nerves are damaged, the body has trouble getting a signal to complete these essential tasks. That's why people with CIDP may experience muscle weakness, which can lead to difficulty walking or issues with balance.
CIDP is both chronic and progressive, which means it's a long-term condition that can worsen over time. CIDP can go into remission, so it's important to get diagnosed as soon as possible to move forward with a management plan.
Tap on the dots to learn more about what CIDP looks like in the body of someone who is experiencing muscle weakness in their foot.
KNOW
How to TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Learn how partnering with your doctor could help you better manage your CIDP.
WORK WITH YOUR CARE TEAM
GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR CIDP
Get the latest information on CIDP, plus a free CIDP starter kit filled with information, resources, and tools to help you along your CIDP journey.
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