CIDP and its Variants 

CIDP and its Variants 

In our final blog on CIDP, we are going to have a quick look at the variants of CIDP. If you want more information on CIDP then have a look at some of our other blogs from the last few weeks. 

List of variants 

Acute Onset CIDP (A-CIDP) – A-CIDP comes on quickly, and because it can look like GBS, people can often be mis-diagnosed. This means people may not receive the best treatment for their condition or understand the long-term outcomes. 

Distal CIDP Variant – The Distal Variant impacts around 7-15% of people with CIDP. People with this variant may experience symmetrical (both sides) motor (movement) and sensory (feeling) issues in their hands and feet.  

Focal-Limb Onset CIDP – This is the rarest variant of CIDP, and it impacts only one limb where nerves come out from the spinal cord 

Lewis Sumner Syndrome – In this variant of CIDP, motor and sensory issues can be asymmetrical in terms of numbness and weakness, which means there will be impact to one arm and one leg. 

Pure Motor Variant – This variant of CIDP only impacts your motor abilities (movement and co-ordination)   

Pure Sensory Variant (or SIDP) – This variant only has impacts on your sensory abilities (feeling), resulting in no weakness or tingling  

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) – Technically MMN is its own distinct condition, but some people note it as a variant of CIDP.  A Multifocal presentation means that you may have hand, arm, leg, or foot weakness and paralysis, and onset has an asymmetrical presentation (not the same, i.e. not both hands or feet, but, for example, opposite hands and feet), but as time goes on, it can become symmetrical. 

Getting help and support with CIDP 

GAIN is here to support anyone impacted by CIDP, including all the variants. If you want some support, want to discuss your concerns, or want some advice then please get in touch. GAIN are here to provide support, raise awareness, and facilitate research in order to benefit the Inflammatory Neuropathies Community, including people impacted by all forms of CIDP. To contact GAIN call 01529 469910 or email office@gaincharity.org.uk.