Definition of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): This neurologic disorder causes impairment of sensation and progressive weakness in the arms and legs. Damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves causes CIDP. CIDP can occur in anyone of any age, but the condition is most common in young people and in males. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling that start in the fingers and toes, loss of reflexes, and fatigue. CIDP is the chronic form of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Also known as chronic relapsing polyneuropathy.