Diagnosis of CIDP - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy is based on the symptoms and clinical exam, from which we get an idea if the peripheral nerves are involved and if there is a neuropathy.  To confirm neuropathy, and to decide whether or not the patient has CIDP, we send specialized laboratory tests and perform a nerve and muscle test called EMG nerve conduction study.  In the nerve conduction study the nerves are stimulated, and based on their response we are able to tell if the nerve is damaged.  In the second part of the test, the EMG, each muscle is tested individually and we are able to tell if the muscle or the nerve that controls that muscle is damaged. Based on this test we are able to tell whether the nerve or the muscles are injured, where in the body is the injury occurring, and which part of the nerve is not functioning properly.  In addition we send specialized laboratory testing which helps us determine what the cause of injury is. In addition, at times, a spinal tap is done to analyze the spinal fluid for signs of CIDP.  A muscle biopsy might be done in some cases to help with making the diagnosis.

CIDP, and in the performance of EMG nerve conduction studies. 

References

1. R. A. C. Hughes, P. Bouche, et al. European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society guideline on management of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: report of a joint task force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society, European Journal of Neurology 2006, 13: 326–332
2. J.R. Mendell, MD, R.J. Barohn, MD, et al. Randomized controlled trial of IVIg in untreated chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Neurology February 27, 2001 vol. 56 no. 4 445-449
3. Man Mohan Mehndiratta and Avinash Chandra Singh. Plasmapheresis for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Volume 7, Number 4, 274-279, DOI: 10.1007/s11882-007-0041-z