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Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder affecting the peripheral nerves. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is characterised by progressive weakening of muscles in the limbs. Physiotherapy is one of the most important treatment methods for relieving the symptoms of CIDP.

• What is chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy?
• Types of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Effects of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Physiotherapy treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

What is chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy?

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disease that causes damage to the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, passing messages from the brain to the muscles to cause movement, and passing sensory information such as touch from the limbs back to the brain. Peripheral nerves are covered by a protective coating called the myelin sheath.

In chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy the immune system (the bodys natural defence against infection and illness) attacks the myelin sheath that covers the peripheral nerves. The myelin sheath becomes inflamed and begins to break down, causing a delay or complete inhibition in the transmission of nerve impulses, often resulting in muscle weakness, numbness, tingling and fatigue.

CIDP is closely related to another neurological condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

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Types of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

People who suffer from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) often experience periods of relapse during which symptoms of the disease worsen, and periods of remission during which symptoms of the disease are reduced. There are three main types of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy:

• A progressive form of CIDP, symptoms of which last over several years.
• A recurrent form of CIDP, symptoms of which occur in episodes which may be separated by months or years.
• A monophasic form of CIDP, symptoms of which can occur in a single episode which extends over one to three years but do not recur again.

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Effects of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Individuals with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can present with a variety of symptoms. These symptoms depend on the form of CIDP and often vary from person to person. The physical effects of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle wasting
• Muscle spasm
• Pain
• Lack of coordination resulting in difficulties walking and balancing
• Fatigue

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Physiotherapy treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Physiotherapy is one of the most important treatment methods for relieving the symptoms of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and for slowing the progression of the condition. At Liverpool Neuro Physio the main aim of your physiotherapy treatment is to promote as much functional independence as possible. Physiotherapy treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy may include:

• Stretching muscles and joints to lessen the incidence of muscle spasms and cramps and improve joint range.
• Strengthening exercises to maintain muscle strength and minimise the occurrence of muscle wastage.
• Exercise plans to improve or maintain your overall fitness and to increase your tolerance to exercise in order to address fatigue levels. The physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio will thoroughly explain and demonstrate your exercise plans to be followed between sessions to you and your family to ensure you get the best out of your treatment.
• Gait training and balance re-education in order to improve your balance and the coordination of your limbs during walking. If you have severe difficulties walking and balancing your physiotherapist can advise you on appropriate walking aids to assist this. The use of a walking aid will reduce the incidence of falls and help increase your functional independence and safety. Your physiotherapist can also advise you on the provision of orthotics to improve your walking pattern, safety and comfort when walking.

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Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

At Liverpool Neuro Physio we understand the effect CIDP can have on your quality of life, and our specialist neurological physiotherapists will tailor your treatment programme around your personal goals in order to maximise the outcome of your treatment. Successful management of your CIDP may result in the following benefits:

• Improved balance and walking

• Increased ability to roll / move in bed / sit / stand

• Reduced muscle spasms, pain and stiffness

• Maintained/ increased strength

• Retrained normal patterns of movement

• Increased energy levels

• Increased independence and quality of life

• Decreased risk of falls

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can have a detrimental impact on your life as well as the life of your family and friends. Therefore at Liverpool Neuro Physio, our physiotherapists aim to provide you with an effective plan of treatment to help maintain your mobility where possible in order to promote as much functional independence as possible.

To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.

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