Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP, also called sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy) is a neurological disorder, which is caused by damage to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering which protects nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves.
CIPD is characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in legs and arms and is more common in young adults although it can occur in any age. Men are more likely to be affected than women.
Other symptoms include tingling or numbness (beginning in the toes and fingers), weakness in arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia), fatigue, and abnormal sensations.
CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome as the chronic counterpart of that acute disease.
