Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a pathology that is accompanied by the simultaneous involvement of a large number of peripheral nerves in different anatomical areas and progressive muscle weakness, which develops over 8 weeks or longer. It develops due to autoimmune reactions, in which the myelin layer around the nerves is damaged.
Statistically, CIDP affects middle-aged men more often. In adults, it is diagnosed at a rate of 1-2 cases per 100,000 people. After the age of 50, the pathology progresses faster, has a more severe course, and responds worse to therapy.
At the initial stage, CIDP is difficult to detect because it is not accompanied by any signs. As the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves becomes more extensive, the patient becomes disturbed by muscle weakness in the extremities (in the legs or simultaneously in the legs and arms). As in Guillain-Barré syndrome, the symptom increases, but the process lasts longer than 8 weeks.
Weakness is pronounced and may be accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness. The symptom manifests itself irregularly - it may intensify, then weaken, and then increase again.
Cardiac rhythm abnormalities, BP fluctuations, vegetative disorders are sometimes observed, but such changes are less frequent and less pronounced than in Guillain-Barre syndrome.
