Definition of Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy:

Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy is nerve swelling and irritation (inflammation) that leads to a loss of movement or sensation.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy is a common type of damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy). Polyneuropathy means several nerves are involved. It usually affects both sides of the body the same amount.

The cause of chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy is an abnormal immune response. The specific triggers vary. In many cases, the cause is unknown.

It may occur with other conditions, such as:

• Blood cell abnormalities
• Chronic active hepatitis
• HIV
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lupus erythematosus

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a form of inflammatory polyneuropathy that lasts for a shorter time.