Autoimmune
Diseases & Chronic
Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder
characterized by slowly progressive weakness and a loss
of sensation in the legs and arms. CIDP is more common
in young adults, and it affects men more than women.
Symptoms include tingling or numbness (beginning in the
toes and fingers); weakness of the arms and legs; aching
pain in the muscles; loss of deep tendon reflexes;
fatigue; and abnormal sensation. CIDP is similar to
Guillain-Barré syndrome, which appears suddenly and
generally improves spontaneously. Although CIDP was once
called "chronic Guillain-Barré syndrome," it is now
regarded as a related, but distinct condition. The
course of CIDP varies widely among individuals. Some may
have a bout of CIDP followed by spontaneous recovery,
while others may have many bouts with partial recovery
in between relapses. The disease is a potentially
treatable cause of inflammatory neuropathy and
initiation of early treatment to prevent loss of nerve
cells is recommended. However, some individuals may
experience residual numbness or weakness.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)
- Fatigue
- Loss of reflexes
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain
- Weakness
- Paralysis
|
Peripheral neuropathy occurs
when the nerves connecting your spinal cord and brain to other parts
of your body (peripheral nerves) become damaged. Damage to the
peripheral nerves causes symptoms such as tingling and numbness,
lack of sensation, pain, and muscle weakness that begins in the
hands or feet and may spread through the limbs.There are several
types of peripheral neuropathy. Mononeuropathy is damage to a single
nerve; multiple mononeuropathy is damage to two or more nerves;
polyneuropathy is damage to many nerves throughout the body. The
symptoms of these three types of neuropathy are similar. Your
physician will determine which type is responsible for your
symptoms.
The nerve damage of peripheral neuropathy most commonly appears
as a complication of another disorder such as diabetes or AIDS, or
as a reaction to drugs or chemicals. Nerve damage can result from
viral and bacterial infections, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cancer,
vitamin deficiencies, kidney disease, liver disease, or inherited
conditions. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include trauma,
penetrating injuries, bruises, fractures, and dislocated bones.
Nerve damage can also result from extended exposure to cold or heat,
radiation therapy for cancer, excessive vomiting (which may occur
during early pregnancy), and various other causes. Sometimes the
cause of peripheral neuropathy remains a mystery.
When peripheral nerves are damaged, communication between your
central nervous system and the rest of your body is disrupted. The
type of damage to the nerves influences the types of symptoms that
will occur. For example, if the sensory nerve fibers are damaged,
you will likely experience changes in sensation such as numbness or
pain. However, if the motor fibers are damaged, your muscles will be
affected, causing changes in your ability to move.