Opinion
Video
Red Flag Symptoms of CIDP
Author(s):
Expert neurologist Dr Lewis reviews the red flag symptoms of CIPD that should prompt a referral your patient.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Richard Lewis, MD.
The speaker addresses factors that distinguish neuropathies, particularly focusing on when to suspect a condition beyond mild diabetic neuropathy. Key indicators include significant weakness, an unusual loss of reflexes, and multi-focality. These "red flags" prompt further investigation, as they deviate from standard distal symmetric neuropathy definitions.
The aggressiveness of the disorder is emphasized, requiring more than 8 weeks of progression or relapsing to distinguish it from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Persistent symptoms beyond this period, especially if relapsing past 6 weeks, signal potential CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy). The speaker stresses the need for neurologist involvement and, if necessary, referral to a neuromuscular specialist.
Misdiagnosis challenges are acknowledged, citing research indicating that approximately half of referred CIDP cases did not have the disease. A call for second opinions, especially if initial treatments are ineffective, is encouraged. The CIDP Foundation's Centers of Excellence are recommended for comprehensive evaluations. The speaker highlights the difficulty in CIDP diagnosis and urges seeking additional perspectives when uncertainties arise.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.
