Welcome to the CIDP Information and Support web site. This web site has been constructed with the goal of providing a centralized source for information and support for people who's lives have been struck with the nerve diseases such as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Miller-Fisher variant, and other demyelinating nerve diseases. The lack knowledge about these rare nerve diseases can be found around the world, with this page hoping to bring people together to show that we are not alone in fighting this battle.
What are these diseases?? CIDP, GBS, and Miller-Fisher variant are all diseases which can best be described as a process in which the myelin sheath surrounding the peripheral nerves throughout one's body are damaged. This damage is done through an "attack" on this insulation surrounding the nerves going from the brain to the muscles. Without the insulation on the nerves the messages going from the brain to the muscles cannot be sent, which results in the initial weakness and may lead to paralysis of the arms, legs, and other affected nerve fibers throughout the body.
Depending upon the time it takes from initial weakness and onset of the case to a most serve point of paralysis is just one of the factors which aid in the eventual distinguishing between these diseases.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is considered the short-term, or an acute variant. From the beginning of the disease and it's initial weakness or fatigue to the eventual complete paralysis of one's body most likely takes place within a matter of hours or just a few days. GBS routinely leads to a complete paralysis throughout the peripheral nerves and may also lead to use of a ventilator to aid in breathing for the most severe cases. The prognosis for GBS is promising, with many patients left with minimal numbness or tingling as it's only physical scar.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuresis (CIDP) is a long-term condition, coming on over a long period of time, within several weeks or even months in some cases. Use of a ventilator is not needed in as many CIDP cases, but the prognosis is also not as promising. CIDP victims may be left with long-term weakness or even permanent paralysis.
It is important to keep in mind there are also many in-between variations off GBS and CIDP. Some many experience reoccurring setbacks, others may have only minimal weakness of tingling as the whole disease course. It takes not only the knowledge coming from the medically trained to fight this disease but also the support of family, friends, and a positive personal attitude to deal with these diseases, no matter what the ultimate prognosis may be.
This web site is out to provide not only the facts from the medical field about these diseases but also from the people that know first hand what the disease has done to both them and their lives. Take look around, following the links below of some of your most asked questions in order to provide you with links to what the Internet has to offer and the support groups we have found most helpful.
