CIDP support for members

Because CIDP interferes with your nerves, you could experience:

• Unusual sensations like burning, tingling, numbness or pain that start in your feet and move to your arms, hands and legs
• Problems walking, or trouble using your hands and arms
• Delayed or lost reflexes
• Abnormal or uncoordinated movements
• Problems breathing
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness, a changing voice or slurred speech

These symptoms are also similar to those of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare nerve problem related to CIDP.

To find out if you have CIDP, your doctor will start with a basic physical exam. This includes asking about your symptoms, with a focus on your nervous system and muscles.

After an exam, your doctor may request:

• An electromyogram (EMG), nerve conduction test or nerve biopsy to check your nerves’ health and functioning
• An analysis of the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord
• Blood tests to look for proteins that could point to an overactive immune system
• Lung function tests to see if your symptoms include breathing problems
• X-rays or other imaging scans that could help locate the cause of your symptoms

If your doctor finds you have nerve damage due to CIDP, their diagnosis will lead the way for treatments to help you live easier.

Several effective treatments for CIDP are available. The main goals of treating CIDP are preventing the disease from getting worse and, if possible, allowing your nerves to heal and restore function.

Treatment options for CIDP often include:

• Corticosteroids like prednisone to help reduce inflammation
• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), which aims to remove antibodies that attack your nervous system
• Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), a therapy treatment where you receive antibodies from healthy donors

Your care team may also include other therapies to help you adjust to life with CIDP, like physical therapy to regain muscle strength and control. Your treatment plan may also include ways to add healthy habits to your life. Nutritious eating, exercise, and avoiding substances that affect your nervous system (like alcohol and tobacco) can make a difference.