Diagnosis of CIDP - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Table of Contents The of Cause CIDP Symptoms of CIDP Diagnosis Treatment Options

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 the diagnosis of 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 nerve or 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. 
Proper diagnosis is crucial since proper treatment could only be given if the diagnosis is correct.  Dr. Shaoulian is an expert in diagnosing neuropathies, including CIDP, and in the performance of EMG nerve conduction studies.