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Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy (CIDP) Signs and Symptoms

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy (CIPD) is an autoimmune disorder involving the peripheral nervous system.  The disorder causes damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the peripheral nerves, primarily the nerves in the fingers, toes, the arms and the legs.  It is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, and is considered its chronic counterpart.  We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, supportive natural therapies, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy include:

  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes
  • Weakness of the arms and legs
  • Loss of deep tendon reflexes
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Muscle twitching
  • Difficulty walking
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain or neck pain radiating down the extremities
  • Dizziness
  • Problem with bowel and bladder functions

The course of chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy varies from individual to individual.  Some people have only one bout with a complete recovery, while others have several recurring bouts over the course of their lifetime.  If caught and treated early, the prognosis for many individuals is very good.


Diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy

Nerve conduction studies will show demyelination in chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy.  Other tests include an EMG, a spinal tap, blood work to exclude other autoimmune diseases, and a biopsy when the results of the other tests are not completely definitive.


Recommended – Test for Heavy Metals and Mineral Imbalances using Hair Tissue Analysis

Hair Tissue Analysis Report

Hair Tissue Analysis Report

We suggest getting a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) to help you determine accurately what your body needs more of in terms of essential trace minerals and needs to eliminate in terms of toxic heavy metals and toxic mineral ratios. Toxic mineral ratios and toxic metal accumulation following long term or acute exposure can contribute greatly to degenerative conditions like chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy.

Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and sodium all have important metabolic functions. However, too little or too much of any of these essential minerals can have an adverse affect on the human body and it’s ability to recover.

How can a hair analysis help me achieve better health? If we consider that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can see that discovering what your body needs when it needs it is a valuable tool in creating health.

The dangers of exposure to toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum have been well documented over the years. Levels of heavy metals in the body can only be accurately measured using a hair tissue analysis or a chelation challenge test (which can be expensive and have serious side-effects). Blood or urine tests give information about your metal or mineral levels at the time of the test only.

Testing for minerals in the urine measures the minerals that are being excreted from your body – not necessarily what has been absorbed as fuel for your body. So blood and urine tests are like snapshots whereas a hair analysis is the video of your mineral retention.

A hair analysis provides a biological profile of the past 2 – 3 months of intracellular activity revealing a unique metabolic world, which cannot be seen through most other tests. The hair mineral analysis gives you or your healthcare professional much-needed information about mineral deficiencies and chemical imbalances in your body, especially if you’re suffering from symptoms of any disease or disorder, including CIDP.

For FAQ’s about hair analysis, please click here.

For an overview of what is covered in a comprehensive hair analysis report (by Trace Elements, Inc.), please click here.

Hair Analysis Graph Results 1

Hair Analysis Bar Graph Results 2

Bar Graph Results

shopping cart icon To purchase a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (by Trace Elements, Inc.) from Evenbetternow Natural Health Solutions, please click here.


Books and Articles for People With Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy

The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age
Icon Health Publications
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: An entry from Thomson Gale’s Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Brian, PhD Hoyle


Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Frederic P. Miller
Living Well with Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You…That You Need to Know
Mary J. Shomon

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy (CIDP) Resources

General Patient Resources

  • GBS/CIPD Foundation International

Serving patients with GBS and CIPD with support, education and research.

http://www.gbs-cidp.org/aboutcidp.htm

  • Center For Peripheral Neuropathy

Learn about peripheral neuropathy and how to find treatment.

http://peripheralneuropathycenter.uchicago.edu/learnaboutpn/typesofpn/inflammatory/cidp.shtml

  • Experience Project

Anonymously connect with people who share your experiences– like those who say ‘I Have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy’.

Read hundreds of true stories, share your own story anonymously, get feedback and comments, chat in the discussion forum, help others, meet new friends, and so much more– all free.

http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Chronic-Inflammatory-Demyelinating-Polyneuropathy/53823

  • Brain Foundation

The latest Australian research, as well as support groups.

http://brainfoundation.org.au/a-z-of-disorders/21-chronic-inflammatory-demyelinating-polyneuropathy



Medical Resources

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Resources and information compiled by the National Institute of Health.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cidp/cidp.htm

  • Web MD

Information and resources on CIPD

http://www.webmd.com/brain/chronic-inflammatory-demyelinating-polyneuropathy