Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the myelin sheath, which is a fatty substance that covers and protects the nerves. CIDP causes the destruction of the myelin sheath, resulting in a variety of symptoms that can be debilitating.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of CIDP is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own peripheral nerves. It can also be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, or exposure to certain chemicals or toxins. Risk factors for CIDP include a family history of the disorder, a history of autoimmune diseases, and certain infections.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of CIDP can vary in severity and may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly. The most common symptoms include weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs and arms. These symptoms can lead to difficulty with coordination and balance, and may affect a person’s ability to walk or perform daily activities. Other symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Prevention:
There is no known way to prevent CIDP, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing the disorder. This includes getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding exposure to toxins or chemicals that can damage the peripheral nerves.
Treatment:
The goal of treatment for CIDP is to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the nerves. This may include the use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications to reduce inflammation, as well as intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, which involves infusing the patient with antibodies to help fight the autoimmune response. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may also be recommended to help improve muscle strength and coordination.
Possibility of Oriental Medicine:
Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be beneficial in the treatment of CIDP. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing. Acupressure, on the other hand, involves applying pressure to these same points using the fingers or other tools.
While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of Oriental medicine in the treatment of CIDP, some people may find these therapies helpful in managing their symptoms. It is important to talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using any complementary or alternative therapies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. While there is no known cure for CIDP, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the nerves. Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be beneficial in managing symptoms, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in treating CIDP.
References :
Gorson KC, Ropper AH. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: clinical features and diagnosis. UpToDate. 2021. This article provides an overview of the clinical features and diagnosis of CIDP, including information on clinical presentations, laboratory testing, and diagnostic criteria.
Joint Task Force of the EFNS and the PNS. 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. Eur J Neurol. 2010;17(3):356-63. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of CIDP, including information on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressive therapies.
Rajabally YA, Simpson BS, Beri S, et al. The effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy – a pilot randomized controlled trial. Acupunct Med. 2013;31(3):254-7. This study examines the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CIDP, finding that acupuncture treatment may improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue in CIDP patients.
Zhang CS, Tan HY, Zhang GS, et al. Clinical research strategies for acupuncture and related therapies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:328409. This review discusses clinical research strategies for acupuncture and related therapies, including the use of randomized controlled trials, pragmatic trials, and observational studies.
Sun Y, Gan TJ, Dubose JW, et al. Acupuncture for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Spinal Cord Med. 2021:1-10. This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating neuropathic pain, a common symptom of CIDP, finding that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment option.
Wang Y, Xiong X, Liu W. Acupuncture for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav. 2020;10(11):e01837. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CIDP, finding that acupuncture may be effective in improving muscle strength, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life.
Kim SH, Kim HB, Lee JS, et al. A randomized controlled pilot trial of acupuncture for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2021;14(1):31-7. This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CIDP, finding that acupuncture may improve muscle strength and quality of life in CIDP patients.
Zhao L, Chen J, Li Y, et al. The effectiveness of acupuncture on degenerative cervical myelopathy or chronic spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):154. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating degenerative cervical myelopathy and chronic spinal cord injury, which may have overlapping symptoms with CIDP.
Sinha S, Misra UK, Kalita J. Immunotherapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;(2):CD005491. This Cochrane review evaluates the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating CIDP, including intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, finding that both treatments are effective in improving muscle strength and reducing disability in CIDP patients.
Kim HJ, Jeon JH, Kim JH, et al. Herbal medicine (Hyeolbuchukeo-tang or Xuefu Zhuyu decoction) for treating chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2020;9(11):3576. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of herbal medicine in treating CIDP, finding that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang and Xuefu Zhuyu decoction may be effective in reducing disability and improving quality of life in CIDP patients.