Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathies

The inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies are acquired disorders of peripheral nerves and nerve roots. The precise causes are unknown, but immunologic mechanisms play a major role. These disorders are among the most common forms of neuropathy, and up to 25% of idiopathic polyneuropathies are estimated to have an autoimmune basis. Acute and chronic forms of inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy exist, differing primarily in their onset and relapse rate. Most are considered idiopathic, but the common association with a systemic disorder such as plasma cell dyscrasia is important in directing the clinical evaluation. The acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies share many clinical, electrodiagnostic, and therapeutic similarities, yet they represent different disorders.