How are CIDP symptoms managed?
There are several treatments available to manage CIDP. They all act on the immune system in their own way. The choice of treatment will be made according to each individual person’s needs – your neurologists will discuss these options with you before prescribing a suitable treatment.
It is important to start a suitable treatment as soon as possible to manage symptoms based on your healthcare team’s advice. Early treatment may prevent nerve damage and help stop symptoms from becoming severe.
Your symptoms will be carefully monitored and managed by your healthcare team to make sure that your treatment is giving you the right level of control.
Who may be involved in your CIDP care team?
Each person’s experience with CIDP is different. Many different professionals can help you manage CIDP through keys stages in your condition based on your wants and needs.
Carer
During the course of your disease, you may decide a carer is needed to help support you and/or family members. These services may include day-to-day personal care activities such as dressing or grooming, household tasks such as cleaning and washing, or even home maintenance such as changing light bulbs or keeping the lawn mown.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists can provide helpful support to improve your quality of life when living with CIDP symptoms. They can assist you to build and maintain muscle strength, work on coordination, and provide tips and aids to facilitate daily activities as needed.
Neurologist
Your neurologist specialises in the treatment of CIDP. Your neurologist will first diagnose you with CIDP and then discuss the available treatment options and other strategies that will help manage your condition, so together you can decide the right treatment course. Your neurologist will monitor your condition, review your response to treatment at key stages, and discuss any changes to your treatment plans based on your needs over time.
Nurse
From your initial diagnosis through to ongoing management of CIDP, you will receive ongoing care from a nurse at your selected medical facility or at home. Nurses complete regular assessments of your general health and treatment, sharing these results with your neurologist for review. Nurses can provide additional treatment education and support.