Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

(CIDP) is a condition that affects the nerves in your body. Your nerves have a fatty covering called myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. CIDP may happen when your immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath. This damage can cause weakness and decreased feeling in your arms and legs.

Common symptoms include the following:

• Arm or leg weakness that makes it hard for you to do certain tasks or walk
• Tingling, numbness, or pain that starts in your toes and fingers
• Fatigue
• Muscle twitching or cramps
• Loss of reflexes (slow reaction time, such as when you grab a falling object)

Seek care immediately if:

• You are having trouble breathing.
• You cannot walk or care for yourself.
• You have pain that does not decrease, even with medicine.
• Your symptoms get worse very quickly.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You feel like you cannot cope with your condition.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment:

The signs and symptoms of CIDP may come and go over time, even with treatment. For some people, the signs and symptoms may go away completely with time. Treatment will help to prevent permanent nerve damage. You may need any of the following:

• Immune globulins may be given to make your immune system stronger.
• Steroids may be given to decrease nerve swelling.
• Plasma exchange is a procedure that separates the plasma in your blood from your blood cells. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Antibodies that may be attacking and damaging your nerves are also removed. Your blood cells and healthy plasma are then returned to your body.
• Medicine may be given to decrease nerve pain.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Gamunex-C
• Privigen
• Gammagard Liquid
• Hizentra
• gabapentin

Physical and occupational therapy:

Your healthcare provider may recommend physical and occupational therapy. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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Further information

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