CIDP Symptoms Breakdown: Weakness, Numbness, and Beyond

How Does It Begin?

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disease in which a person’s own immune system attacks the fatty tissues around the nerve cells. These tissues are called myelin sheaths, which act as protective coverings that help nerve signals travel efficiently. Damage to these coverings can cause motor and sensory dysfunction, such as muscle weakness and numbness. The exact cause of CIDP is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response. Symptoms often develop gradually over several weeks or months, usually beginning with mild weakness or tingling in the hands or feet.

Diagnosis 

CIDP is usually difficult to diagnose because of its unknown origin. It can be mistaken for other neurological conditions, especially Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), because both disorders share similar signs and symptoms. However, CIDP symptoms typically last more than 8 weeks, which helps distinguish it from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Healthcare providers can use three different tests to confirm diagnosis:

• Blood or urine tests
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function and detect myelin damage
• Lumbar puncture

What Type of Symptoms Does a Person Experience in CIDP?

Most common symptoms of CIDP include: 

1. Motor dysfunction, which is muscle weakness in the arms and/or legs.
2. Sensory dysfunction, which is numbness and tingling in the hands and/or feet.
3. Autonomic dysfunction, which may include fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate.