CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy)

Neurology Muscular Dystrophy and Neuropathy Institute
1-877-88-NERVE ( 1-877-886-3783) or (310) 278-2525
What is CIDP

CIDP is an Autoimmune Disease
of the Nerves

CIDP Symptoms

It Could be One of the Most
Aggressive Types of Neuropathy

CIDP Diagnosis

Proper Diagnosis is Crucial Successful Treatment

CIDP Treatment

It is One of the Most
Treatable Types of Neuropathy

CIDP Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own nerves.  Of all the different causes of neuropathy, it could be one of the most aggressive and devastating types of neuropathy.

The symptoms of CIDP are the result of nerve injury caused by the immune system. There are different types of nerves in the body. There are sensory nerves that control sensation and there are motor nerves that control muscle movement. If the sensory nerves are injured then numbness, burning, tingling and pain occurs. If the motor nerves are attacked it causes weakness. Although some cases of are mild, in other cases the pain could become so severe that even the strongest pain medications cannot control it. In some patients it could lead to severe paralysis. Even though it could be a devastating illness, it is one of the most treatable types of neuropathy. In order to provide effective treatment it is crucial to make the proper diagnosis, which could at times be a difficult task. Dr. Shaoulian uses the most advanced techniques to make the proper diagnose. Since the cause of the disease is immune mediated, Dr. Shaoulian uses medications that modify the immune system. We could use a single treatment modality or a combination of modalities in the more difficult cases. Once we are able to stop the immune system's attack on the nerves, then the nerves are allowed to regenerate and the patients could make significant recovery. With proper diagnosis and using the proper treatment modalities Dr. Shaoulian has great success in the treatment of the most difficult cases.

I was anxious to find someone who was experienced with my complaints and able to remedy my constant pain especially in my hands and feet. When I presented I had to walk with the assistance of a cane. On my first visit he performed a nerve conduction study which resulted with a primary diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). I was very impressed with his knowledge of my condition and rapid treatment plan. I began a treatment of IVIG and have experienced significant relief of my many symptoms and am happy to report that I am no longer walking with a cane.