Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a form of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) that can lead to long-term, and in some cases permanent, physical limitations. Prompt diagnosis is critical, and those who are diagnosed with CIDP following a vaccination may be able to recover financial compensation for their medical bills and other losses.
CIDP is a neurologic disorder that has been linked to the tetanus and flu vaccines. While the exact cause of CIPD remains unknown, medical experts have recognized a link between CIPD and these vaccinations, and compensation for vaccine-related CIPD is now available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
The chronic form of GBS, CIPD is a progressive condition that can lead to pain, weakness and other limitations that typically last for a year or longer and in some cases can be permanent. CIDP is considered the chronic equivalent of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), which is among the most common forms of GBS.
CIPD has numerous symptoms; and due to its chronic nature often manifests in the form of physical impairments related to the disorder’s effects on the nervous system. For example, individuals diagnosed with CIPD resulting from a flu shot or tetanus vaccination commonly experience:
- Abnormal gait
- Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic dizziness)
- Facial muscle paralysis
- Fatigue
- Impaired coordination
- Loss of deep tendon reflexes
- Loss of muscle control
- Pain
- Tingling, numbness and other sensory symptoms in the hands and feet
- Weakness in the arms and legs
Doctors can use a number of different tests to diagnose CIDP, and individuals experiencing the symptoms listed above following a vaccination should be sure to tell their doctors that they are concerned about CIPD. Tests commonly used to diagnose vaccine-related CIDP include:
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment, Recovery and Prognosis for CIDP
Since CIDP is a chronic condition, treatment focuses on mitigating the symptoms and effects of the disorder. Early treatment can help reduce a patient’s chances of experiencing severe long-term effects, and anyone concerned about vaccine-related CIDP should consult his or her physician and follow up with neurologic, orthopedic, surgical and other specialist consultations as necessary. In most cases, treatment for CIDP involves:
- Corticosteroid treatment
- Immunoglobulin therapy
- Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)
In certain circumstances, physicians may also recommend immunotherapy or stem cell transplant therapy to combat the effects of CIDP. Physical therapy and maintaining an active lifestyle are generally recommended, as well.
With appropriate treatment, many individuals eventually make a full recovery. However, relapses are common even with treatment, and many patients experience long-lasting numbness and weakness in their limbs and extremities. Prompt and consistent medical treatment is important, and individuals diagnosed with CIDP should enforce their legal rights to ensure they have the funds necessary to finance long-term treatment and recovery.
Schedule a Free Legal Consultation about Vaccine-Related CIDP
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with CIDP following a flu or tetanus immunization, GBS Vaccine Lawyer may be able to help you secure a financial recovery through the VICP. To learn more about your rights and the low-cost or no-cost legal representation that is available, call (202) 775-9200 or contact us online today.