Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. The disorder, which is sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, is caused by damage to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering that wraps around and protects nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves. Although it can occur at any age and in both genders, CIDP is more common in young adults, and in men more so than women. It often presents with symptoms that include tingling or numbness (beginning in the toes and fingers), weakness of the arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia), fatigue, and abnormal sensations. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome and it is considered the chronic counterpart of that acute disease.
GBS/CIDP Foundation International The Holly Building 104 1/2 Forrest Ave. Narberth, PA 19072 info@gbs-cidp.org http://www.gbs-cidp.org Tel: 610-667-0131 866-224-3301 Fax: 610-667-7036 |
Neuropathy Association 60 East 42nd Street Suite 942 New York, NY 10165-0999 info@neuropathy.org http://www.neuropathy.org Tel: 888-PN-FACTS (888-763-2287) Fax: 212-692-0668 |
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association 22100 Gratiot Avenue Eastpointe, MI 48021-2227 aarda@aarda.org http://www.aarda.org Tel: 586-776-3900 800-598-4668 Fax: 586-776-3903 |
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Last updated October 15, 2012