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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder that causes progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. Symptoms often include tingling or numbness (first in the toes and fingers), weakness of the arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes, fatigue, and abnormal sensations.[10074] Other symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and double vision (diplopia).[15270] CIDP is thought to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and damaging the myelin sheath (protective cover of nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves.[10075] CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and is considered the “chronic counterpart” of GBS. Treatment may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, plasma exchange, physical therapy, and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy.[10074] Left untreated, 30% of people with CIDP will progress to wheelchair dependence.[13116]
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