Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Overview CIDP is a rare acquired autoimmune neuropathy affecting the peripheral nerves. Sometimes it occurs secondary to infections or vaccination, when the body recognizes self-proteins as foreign and forms antibodies against them. As a result, the myelin sheath around the nerves gets damaged, ultimately leading to neuronal loss. Causes CIDP is caused by an abnormal immune response Risk factors Age between 40 and 60 yearsMale sex Uncontrolled type 2 diabetesInfections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and Epstein-Barr infections Acute illnesses, vaccinations, and surgery can trigger CIDP Symptoms Muscle weakness, which is subacute in onset and sometimes waxes and wanesNumbness of hands and feetSensory lossImbalanceBilaterally symmetrical Types Sensory CIDPMultifocal CIDP (Lewis Sumner syndrome)Motor CIDPCISP- Chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathyDistal CIDP (DADS) Specialist to approach Neurologist Diagnosis Clinical examination and nerve conduction studies, which shows slowing of nerve conductionBlood tests for antibodies and inflammatory markers Treatment Corticosteroids to reduce inflammationImmunomodulation by drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, IvIg, Rituximab, plasmapheresisPhysical therapy and rehabilitation