What is Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, or CIDP?
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, or CIDP, is a neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the peripheral nerves, which extends beyond the brain and spinal cord. In healthy individuals, peripheral nerves transmit signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, enabling movement, sensation, and reflexes. However, in CIDP, these nerves become a target of the body's immune system, resulting in damage to the myelin sheath – the protective covering of nerve fibers – leading to impaired nerve function.
CIDP is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly identifies the myelin sheath as a threat and launches an immune response against it. This chronic inflammation disrupts communication between nerves, causing a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person.
The main symptom of CIDP is progressive weakness and muscle wasting (atrophy) in the arms and legs. Patients often experience difficulty with movement, coordination, and balance. Alongside weakness, individuals may also encounter numbness and tingling, pain, loss of reflexes, muscle stiffness, and sensory disturbances.
CIDP can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms overlap with other neurological conditions. However, timely treatment becomes crucial to managing CIDP and preventing further nerve damage once diagnosed.
Therapeutic approaches may include:
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Therapy – an infusion of immune proteins to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroids – Anti-inflammatory medication that suppresses the immune system.
- Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) – a procedure to remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
- Immunosuppressive drugs – medications that suppress the immune system to minimize its attack on nerve cells.
As a leading clinical research center in Volusia County for over 15 years, Neurology Associates of Ormond Beach Clinical Research Center is at the forefront of CIDP research and advancements. Clinical trials play a crucial role in uncovering new treatment modalities and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with CIDP.
If you or someone you know is living with CIDP and interested in contributing to medical progress, we encourage you to participate in our clinical research trials. By joining, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this challenging neurological disorder.
At Neurology Associates of Ormond Beach Clinical Research Center, we are committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of CIDP. Join us on this journey towards a better future for those living with CIDP.
Source: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (nih.gov); Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy | Johns Hopkins Medicine; CIDP: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment (webmd.com)