Medical exam
A doctor will conduct a detailed medical history to determine your symptoms, when they started, and your current physical abilities.
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Diagnosing CIDP
If you or a loved one suspect chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), it's important to talk to your doctor right away. Understanding the importance of managing your disease may help you prepare for the process.
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Home 
journey to DIAGNOSIS
Differentiating CIDP from other conditions
The symptoms of
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
can appear as other conditions, such as
multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
(how to say it: muhl-tee-FOE-kuhl MOE-tur nur-AH-puh-thee)
Definition:
A rare medical disorder in which nerves that control muscles are attacked by the body's immune system.
See more glossary terms
or
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
(how to say it: ay-my-uh-TRO-fic LAH-tur-uhl sklur-OH-suhs)
Definition:
A rare disease that affects motor neurons, gets worse over time, and can be life-threatening.
See more glossary terms
. Understanding the symptoms of CIDP and how they differ from other conditions may help you and your doctor focus on CIDP.
3 tools for understanding symptoms and learning how to live with CIDP
DOCTOR VISIT CHECKLIST
Discussing your symptoms with a doctor can help you understand what might be causing them. We created this checklist to help you make the most of your doctor visits.
Symptom
tracker
Use this symptom tracker to take note of your symptoms and how you feel over time. It may help you have more informed discussions with your doctor.
CIDP
BROCHURE
Learn about the lives of other people living with CIDP—including their joys, their frustrations, and their tips for daily life.
CIDP and misdiagnosis
CIDP can be difficult to diagnose. This chart clearly shows the symptoms of the three conditions that have similar symptoms to CIDP. If you think you may be living with CIDP, talk to your doctor about the diagnostic process.
CIDP vs other conditions that can look like CIDP
Condition
Key signs and symptoms
Body distribution
Disease course
Condition
Key signs & symptoms
Body distribution & disease course
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (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
A rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing sensory loss and weakness associated with loss of reflexes. See more glossary terms
- Tingling, weakness, and loss of feeling in arms and legs
- Loss of reflexes
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking
Symmetric
SymmetricMODERATELY
progresses, or
MAY RELAPSE
progresses, or
MAY RELAPSE
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barré syndrome
(how to say it: gee-AHN-buh-RAY SIN-drohm)
Definition:
A rare disorder that causes your immune system to attack your peripheral nervous system. See more glossary terms
A rare disorder that causes your immune system to attack your peripheral nervous system. See more glossary terms
- Pins and needle sensations in the hands and feet
- Numbness
- Weakness and muscle cramps in the arms and legs (sometimes only legs)
- Decreased tendon reflexes
Symmetric
SymmetricRAPIDLY
progresses
progresses
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
(how to say it: muhl-tee-FOE-kuhl MOE-tur nur-AH-puh-thee)
Definition:
A rare medical disorder in which nerves that control muscles are attacked by the body's immune system. See more glossary terms
A rare medical disorder in which nerves that control muscles are attacked by the body's immune system. See more glossary terms
- Muscle weakness in hands or feet
- Muscle cramping, twitching, or spasms
- Symptoms usually start in one hand or foot
- No
sensory
Sensory
(how to say it: SEN-sir-ee)
Definition:
Having to do with the senses (touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell). See more glossary terms
issues like numbness, tingling, or pain - Blood tests report anti-GM1 antibodies
Asymmetric
AsymmetricSLOWLY
progresses
progresses
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
(how to say it: ay-my-uh-TRO-fic LAH-tur-uhl sklur-OH-suhs)
Definition:
A rare disease that affects motor neurons, gets worse over time, and can be life-threatening. See more glossary terms
A rare disease that affects motor neurons, gets worse over time, and can be life-threatening. See more glossary terms
- Weakness in hands, legs, feet, or ankles
- Muscle cramps and/or twitches
- Slurred speech or trouble swallowing
- Tripping, falling, difficulty walking
- Changes in behavior
Asymmetric
AsymmetricQUICKLY
progresses
progresses
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
(how to say it: CAR-puhl TUH-nuhl SIN-drohm)
Definition:
A condition that occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The dominant hand is usually affected first. See more glossary terms
A condition that occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The dominant hand is usually affected first. See more glossary terms
- Numbness or tingling in fingers
- Sometimes pain in hand and wrist
- Fingers feel useless and swollen
Asymmetric
AsymmetricModerately
progresses
progresses
swipe for other conditions
CAREGIVER TIP
Your loved one relies on you not only for physical support, but for emotional support as well. Speaking up when they aren't able to is another useful way to help your loved one. Keep track of any symptoms you may see, as this may aid their doctor in the diagnostic process.
Tests for diagnosing CIDP
Electromyography
The electrical activity of a muscle is recorded during a test called an
electromyography
Electromyography
(how to say it: uh-lek-trow-my-AAH-gruh-fee)
Definition:
The recording of the electrical activity of muscle tissue.
See more glossary terms
. This helps determine if muscle weakness is being caused by the muscle itself or by nerves that control the muscle.
Nerve conduction study
A nerve conduction study can test the impulses from the brain to specific nerves, helping pinpoint where the nerve might be damaged.
Differential diagnosis
Your doctor should consider all the possible conditions that could be causing your symptoms and rule them out before giving an official diagnosis. Diseases such as MMN and ALS can appear similar to CIDP. See the chart above to understand the similarities and differences between the conditions.
In CIDP, sensory impairment is more common in the arms than in the legs
Hover over image for a fast fact about CIDP
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Starting the diagnostic journey
Because CIDP is rare, not all doctors are familiar with the condition. So, it helps to know about the diagnostic process and how to talk about CIDP with your doctors. Specialized doctors called
neurologists
Neurologist
(how to say it: nr-aa-luh-juhst)
Definition:
A doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
See more glossary terms
are usually needed to make a CIDP diagnosis.
If you think you may be living with CIDP, be sure to talk to your doctor.
KNOW
WHERE TO FIND A Neurologist
Finding a neurologist is the first step to a correct diagnosis and an appropriate management plan. It's important to advocate for yourself until you find the neurologist who is right for you.
FIND A Neurologist
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