Weakness and sensory loss are typical symptoms of the chronic, progressive, or relapsing and remitting condition known as CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYNEUROPATHY (CIDP). Autoimmune peripheral nerve irritation is the cause of the symptoms. About 2 to 3 people out of every 100,000 are affected by CIPD. When symptoms are the worst, more than half of those affected cannot walk without assistance. CIDP typically responds to anti-inflammatory medications, however, experts disagree on the best medication.

Introduction:

An uncommon neurological condition known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) causes inflammation of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots as well as the breakdown of the lipid sheath that protects the nerve fibers from damage. Nerve fibers may carry data at a speed of 40–60 meters per second because of myelin. Myelin loss or injury can impair or block nerve signals, which can result in the degeneration of nerve fibers. In particular for the arms and legs, this results in weakness, paralysis, and/or impairment of motor function. There could be a sensory disturbance as well.

The extent of the movement and sensory deficits, as well as how the disease progresses, might differ from person to person. They typically affect both sides of the body (they are symmetrical). Some affected people may experience symptoms in a slow, consistent pattern, while others may experience symptoms that stabilize and then recur.

Causes:

Although the precise origin of CIDP is uncertain, there are several signs that suggest it is an autoimmune condition. When the body’s natural defenses (antibodies and lymphocytes) against invading pathogens suddenly start attacking perfectly healthy tissue, it results in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases have no recognized etiology. Recent research has identified antibodies that induce rare forms of CIDP (neurofascin 155 and contactin 1) by attacking peripheral nerve components. These results provide hope for the identification of the root cause of additional types of CIDP.

Symptoms:

The main signs of CIDP include symmetrical weakness in both hands, feet, and proximal and distal muscles around the hip and shoulder, as well as a slowly progressing weakness (lasting at least 2 months). This type of paralysis may be brought on by nerve damage, in which case CIDP will be most probably to blame. Deteriorating nerve signals lead to altered or lost feelings and/or decreased motor function. Various alterations in sensation frequently result in coordination issues, numbness, tingling, or prickling experiences. Some patients only display sensory indications and symptoms, but they also display the typical anomalies of nerve transmission and respond favorably to therapy, as in the case of CIDP where weakness is the primary symptom. It is believed that this is a sensory variant of CIDP.

Fatigue, burning, soreness, clumsiness, difficulty swallowing, and double vision are other signs of CIDP. Muscles that are weak and may have atrophied, or lost their girth and means, will be identified by the neurologic evaluation. The deep tendons’ reflexes are ineffective or nonexistent. Walking will feel strange, and you won’t be able to respond to various sensory stimuli as you should.

Diagnosis:

It can be challenging to diagnose CIDP because symmetrical proximal and distal weakness with diminished or absent tendon reflexes is strongly predictive of CIDP, and the symptoms must be persistent for at least two months. A lumbar puncture can look for elevated spinal fluid protein without many inflammatory cells, nerve conduction testing and electromyography can look for very slow nerve conduction velocities, and MRI imaging of the nerve roots can look for swelling and inflammation.

Homeopathic Treatment:

The use of homeopathic medications for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy is quite safe for people of all ages. After an extensive examination of the symptoms and severity, it is administered under the guidance of trained and experienced homeopaths. Homoeopathy believes that every patient has a unique case, hence, every patient is treated uniquely. In cases of peripheral neuropathy, homeopathic medications offer symptomatic alleviation. After a thorough examination of the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional health as well as the disease and its symptoms, the right medications are provided.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can be treated effectively, safely, and without side effects using constitutional homeopathy. It assists in alleviating the symptoms. CIDP can be managed using a variety of therapies. Glucocorticoids (steroids), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and plasma exchange (PLEx) are the most researched treatments that have been demonstrated to be effective. All treatments suppress or modulate the immune system, and higher risks of cancer and infection must be taken into account while choosing a course of action.

Precautions:

• A physical therapist’s home exercise program can enhance mobility and function as well as muscle strength.
• Using a walker, rollator, cane, or other mobility aid may be helpful if CIDP results in leg weakness. These tools can increase mobility and guarantee safety while walking and carrying out other daily tasks.
• Not only is taking a warm bath relaxing, but it also promotes blood circulation, which can lessen nerve pain sensations.
• Participating in moderate exercise can improve endurance and lessen fatigue. The severity of your symptoms may limit the kinds of exercise you can do, but you can try walking, swimming chair yoga, or tai chi.