What to expect with CIDP

CIDP is treatable but can get progressively worse without treatment

Initially, people with CIDP may simply be aware that it takes more effort to do the things they used to do, but over several months or years, the symptoms may progress to the point that a person may no longer be able to perform simple daily activities such as climbing stairs, walking without assistance, or lifting objects overhead.1

Nerve with damage myelin

Without treatment

  • Symptoms associated with CIDP take several months or longer to peak1
  • Without any treatment, you could have permanent nerve damage leading to disability2
Normal nerve

With treatment

  • If CIDP is caught early enough, the goal of treatment may include improving strength, balance, and quality of life
  • Once you are on therapy and responding to treatment, you and your doctor will determine the length of therapy
  • If you and your doctor find that you are responding to treatment, there may be a decision to take you off therapy
  • However, there is a potential for your symptoms to disappear for a period of time and then worsen again—this is called relapse3
  • If you feel any symptoms return after a successful treatment, contact your doctor immediately

Learn more about CIDP

How is CIDP treated?

There are a variety of ways to treat CIDP.

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Community and organizations

Have questions or need support? There are groups out there to help you find the answers you’re looking for when dealing with symptoms.

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Learn more

Symptom survey

Curious if your symptoms could be CIDP? Take this survey and discuss the results with your doctor.

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Take the survey

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References

  1. Koski CL. CIDP: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. Narberth, PA: GBS/CIDP Foundation International; 2012.
  2. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. University of Rochester Medical Center website. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=210. Accessed November 18, 2022.
  3. Evers E, Hughes R. CIDP and the Chronic Variants. Heckington. Sleaford Lincolnshire, UK: Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN); 2017.