In this ongoing series of blogs about CIDP, we have already looked at what CIDP is, and CIDP symptoms. Over the next few weeks we will be looking at treatment, living with CIDP, and the impact of CIDP. However, this week we are looking at what is involved in diagnosing CIDP.
CIDP Diagnosis
Most people who receive a diagnosis of CIDP are likely to have been experiencing some of the symptoms we discussed previously and will have gone to see their GP or doctor. The experience of many people is that because CIDP is rare, their GP may not have seen it before and may not know what to suggest. As a result, other checks and even other diagnoses may be given before CIDP is suspected. Hopefully, if a GP doesn’t suspect CIDP they will suspect a Neurological Condition and refer to a Neurologist.
Diagnosing CIDP can be difficult because CIDP can look like other things. More on this later. However, if CIDP is suspected then there are a number of tests and checks that clinicians will do to check. These are a combination of looking at your medical history, undertaking physical examinations, and carrying out nerve conduction tests to make a diagnosis. If it suspected that you have CIDP then a Neurologist is very likely to be involved in both diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
A Neurologist will look at your history and your symptoms, and see if there is any potential for your condition to be CIDP based on your presentation to them. They will then undertake a series of physical examinations to check your strength, your reflexes, your mobility, your motor skills, and your ability to undertake certain tasks. They may also undertake nerve conduction tests which involve passing a mild electric pulse through needles inserted into your skin.
By looking at your history, your performance in the physical exams, and the results of the nerve conduction tests, then a trained and experienced Neurologist will be able to determine whether your condition is CIDP or not.
Problems around CIDP Diagnosis
Because CIDP can be difficult to diagnose, and because it can look like different conditions, it can be misdiagnosed at first. Some people may be diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the first instance. GBS is very similar to CIDP but tends to come on very quickly. As it presents in the same way then sometimes people will be diagnosed as having GBS but when it returns after treatment it may then be diagnosed as CIDP. Other people may be diagnosed with other Neurological Conditions, or even having had a stroke. While some people do get mis-diagnosed most people will get diagnosed correctly and receive the treatment and support they need.
Getting support around CIDP
In our next blog we will look at the treatment available for CIDP, and next steps after diagnosis. GAIN is here to support anyone impacted by CIDP. If you want some support, want to discuss your concerns, or want some advice then please get in touch. To contact GAIN call 01529 469910 or email office@gaincharity.org.uk
