Reply To: Experiencing Symptoms of CIPD

Diagnosing CIDP has a specific set of criteria including personal history, clinical exam and laboratory testing. Some results rule in CIPD. Some results rule out CIDP. Examples of lab tests include electromyography (EMG) with nerve conduction (NCV) studies, blood tests and analysis of spinal fluid.

Most CIDP is noted for a lack of deep tendon reflexes.

You indicate a 4 year history of problems. For discussion purposes all the following may have symptoms similar to CIDP-

other known causes of neuropathy, including inherited neuropathies, multifocal motor neuropathy (with or without conduction block), paraneoplastic disorders, lymphoma, osteosclerotic or multiple myeloma, POEMS syndrome (plasma cell dyscrasia with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes), Castleman syndrome, HIV, major immune diseases of kidney or bowel, necrotizing vasculitis, a known or suspected metabolic deficiency or toxic condition that might cause neuropathy, Lyme disease, immune sensory and autonomic neuropathies, presence of hepatitis C, or cryoglobulins. Because some neurologists consider patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)–associated peripheral neuropathy distinct from CIDP.

And of course, Lou Gehrigs disease, or ALS. None of this is intended for any purpose except to encourage you to seek a definitive diagnosis. Or two.