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Neuromuscular diseases

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

A disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves of the arms and legs. The protective covering of the nerves is damaged. Slowly increasing weakness and numbness occur.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

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This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Neuromuscular diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own nerves. The fatty covering around the nerves, called myelin, is damaged. Nerve signals slow down or stop. Symptoms increase slowly over at least two months. Some people have a steady course, while for others it comes and goes.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms are often similar on both sides of the body.

  • Weakness in the arms and legs (common)
  • Numbness, tingling or pins and needles
  • Reduced or absent reflexes
  • Unsteadiness and clumsiness when walking
  • Tiredness, burning and pain
  • Difficulty swallowing or double vision

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually made by a neurologist. A nerve conduction test and EMG, which measure the muscles and nerves, are done. The protein level in fluid taken from the lower back may be checked. If needed, an MRI of the nerve roots is done.

Treatment and care

Treatment aims to calm the immune system's attack on the nerves. Cortisone-type medicines, immune protein (immunoglobulin) treatment and plasma exchange are used. Plasma exchange means replacing the liquid part of the blood. In 2024, another new type of medicine was approved in the USA for this disease. If needed, aids such as a walker are used. With early treatment, many people improve noticeably. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

CIDP occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own nerves. The exact cause is not known. Infections, genes and immune factors may play a role. No specific pattern of passing it on in families has been described. If you have questions, you can talk to your doctor or a genetic counsellor.

Source: NORD: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy · GBS|CIDP Foundation International: CIDP · Orphanet: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (ORPHA:2932)

Key facts

How is it inherited?
Not inherited
When does it usually start?
Adolescence, Adulthood, Childhood, Older age
Reliable sources
Orphanet

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about CIDP

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 32 active interventional studies for this disease. 22 are recruiting now; 6 have sites in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Neuromuscular diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:2932 · ICD-11 8C01.3

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.