CIDP Glossary: Terms You Should Know

Learning about Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) can feel overwhelming. You might hear words from your doctor or read online that make your head spin. Don’t worry—we’ve got you. This interactive glossary breaks down CIDP-related terms in plain language, explains how they affect your body, and gives tips for remembering them.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

(ay-my-uh-TRO-fic LAH-tur-uhl sklur-OH-suhs)

What it is: A rare condition that attacks the motor neurons—cells that control muscle movement. Over time, ALS can lead to muscle weakness and coordination problems.

Why it matters for CIDP: ALS can look similar to CIDP early on. Doctors use tests to tell the difference.

Pro tip: Think “ALS = motor neurons only.” CIDP affects peripheral nerves—both motor and sensory.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

(CAR-puhl TUH-nuhl SIN-drohm)

What it is: Pressure on a nerve in your wrist that causes tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand. Usually, it starts in the dominant hand.

CIDP connection: Sometimes people with CIDP notice hand numbness and tingling first. Carpal tunnel can mimic those early symptoms, so doctors need to check.

Interactive tip: Try this quick self-check—tap the back of your hands together. Tingling? It might be your nerves signaling stress.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

(krah-nuhk in-flah-muh-tur-ee dee-MY-uh-luh-nay-ting pah-lee-nur-AH-puh-thee)

What it is: Your immune system attacks the myelin—the protective coating around nerves. This slows messages between your brain and body. Symptoms: weakness, numbness, tingling, and loss of reflexes.

Why it matters: Early treatment can stop CIDP from worsening and improve mobility.

Tip: Track your symptoms daily—note strength, tingling, or fatigue. Patterns help your doctor.

Differential Diagnosis

(di-fr-en-chl dai-uhg-now-suhs)

What it is: A list of possible conditions causing your symptoms. Doctors run tests to rule out other disorders.

CIDP connection: CIDP is rare, so doctors check for ALS, Guillain-Barré, or MMN first.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor why they’re testing for something. Understanding your options is power.

Disease Progression

(duh-zeez pruh-greh-shn)

What it is: How a condition changes over time—from mild to severe or stabilized.

CIDP connection: Tracking progression helps guide treatment. You’ll know when therapy is working or if adjustments are needed.

Tip: Keep a symptom journal—daily logs of strength, pain, and tingling can show trends your doctor can’t see in one visit.

Electromyography (EMG)

(uh-lek-trow-my-AAH-gruh-fee)

What it is: Measures electrical activity in your muscles to check nerve health.

CIDP connection: EMG confirms nerve damage, helping doctors rule out similar disorders.

Tip: Think of EMG like an EKG for your muscles—it’s a snapshot of how your nerves communicate.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

(gee-AHN-buh-RAY SIN-drohm)

What it is: A rare autoimmune disorder where your body attacks peripheral nerves. Usually develops quickly, unlike CIDP, which is slow and progressive.

CIDP connection: Doctors differentiate GBS from CIDP because treatment strategies differ.

Immunoglobulin (IVIG)

(uh-myoo-now-GLAA-byuh-luhn)

What it is: Antibodies that can calm an overactive immune system.

CIDP connection: IVIG therapy is often used to reduce inflammation and protect nerves.

Tip: Ask your doctor about IVIG scheduling, side effects, and what to expect during infusion.

Motor Nerves

(moh-ter nerves)

What it is: Nerves that control voluntary movement—walking, lifting, writing.

CIDP connection: Weakness comes from damaged motor nerves.

Interactive tip: Test your grip strength with a stress ball—monitor changes over time to see if therapy is working.

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)

(muhl-tee-FOE-kuhl MOE-tur nur-AH-puh-thee)

What it is: Immune system attacks motor nerves in different areas, causing weakness without much sensory loss.

CIDP connection: Looks similar to CIDP but sensory symptoms differ. Accurate diagnosis is key for treatment.

Myelin

(MAI-uh-luhn)

What it is: Protective sheath around nerves that helps messages travel fast.

CIDP connection: Myelin is under attack in CIDP. Without it, nerves fire slowly, causing weakness or numbness.

Tip: Picture a frayed wire—myelin keeps your nerves insulated and messages flowing.

Neurologist

(nr-aa-luh-juhst)

What it is: Doctor for brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders.

CIDP connection: Your neurologist diagnoses and oversees CIDP treatment.

Neuromuscular Specialist

(nr-roh-MUSK-yoo-lur spesh-all-ist)

What it is: Doctor for both nerves and muscles.

CIDP connection: Works with neurologists to manage muscle weakness, monitor progression, and adjust treatment.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

(aa-kyuh-pay-shuh-nuhl theh-ruh-puhst)

What it is: Helps you perform daily tasks independently—dressing, cooking, or writing.

CIDP connection: OT can teach exercises and tools to make everyday activities easier despite weakness or numbness.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

(pr-i-fr-uhl nur-vuhs si-stm)

What it is: All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that send messages between your body and brain.

CIDP connection: CIDP targets the PNS, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in arms and legs.

Physical Therapist (PT)

(fi-zi-kl theh-ruh-puhst)

What it is: Uses movement and exercise to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility.

CIDP connection: PT helps slow muscle wasting, improve mobility, and keep you independent.

Sensory Nerves

(SEN-sir-ee)

What it is: Nerves that send information from your senses—touch, sight, hearing, taste, and smell—to the brain.

CIDP connection: Damage causes numbness, tingling, or abnormal sensations.

Interactive Takeaways

Track Your Body: Keep a symptom journal—it’s your superpower.
Ask Questions: Understanding tests, treatments, and terminology gives you control.
Know the Difference: CIDP can mimic other conditions, so accurate diagnosis is essential.
Use Your Care Team: PTs, OTs, neurologists, and neuromuscular specialists all play a role in keeping you moving.