Apr 18, 2023
This week we will discuss CIDP with Ashley. Ashley also know as "Wheelinwoman" on Instagram and TikTok. "I have a few rare diseases that caused me to have health issues including a spinal cord injury which left me a quadriplegic. I spread awareness and education on life with Guillian Barre syndrome and CIDP. And share my journey wheelin' through life as a young woman!"
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the nerves and destruction of the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sensory disturbances.
CIDP can affect people in different ways, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms.
Common symptoms of CIDP include
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Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs
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Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
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Loss of reflexes
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Difficulty walking
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Fatigue
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Pain in the limbs
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Difficulty with coordination and balance
The severity and duration of symptoms can also vary, with some people experiencing intermittent episodes of symptoms while others experience more persistent symptoms. Treatment for CIDP typically involves immunosuppressive therapies to reduce inflammation and protect the nerves, but the specific treatment approach will depend on the individual case and the severity of the symptoms.