A nerve is very similar to a wire. Just like a wire, the nerves work with electrical impulses. In a wire there is the copper portion that transmits the electrical signal and there is also a plastic insulation around the copper wire. In the nervous sysytme, the nerve itself acts like the copper wire, and there is an insulation around the nerve that is called the myelin sheath. In CIDP, it is the myelin sheath that is injured first and in the later stages of the disease the nerve could also be attacked. Compared to the nerve iteslf, the myelin sheath has a much better regeneration potential. It is important to start treatment early when only the myelin is damaged and the nerve is healthy as chances of recovery are much better. If the nerve iteslf is damaged then recovery tends to take longer and full recovery is more difficult.