How does one differentiate between ms and cidp? i have cognitive/emotional deficits, but my neuro says cidp is inconsistent with those symptoms. true?

Similar but not same: Both multiple sclerosis and cidp are demyelinating diseases of the nervous system that can have recurrent relapses. Cidp affects the peripheral nervous system and multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. The diseases have different clinical signs, . In general, behavioral and cognitive problems are not seen in peripheral nervous system disorders. Discuss with your doctor your concerns.

Fairly simple: We have EMG criteria for diagnosing an immune poly neuritis and spinal fluid profile can help differentiate CIDP from MS. Latter shows MRI lesions in brain and spinal cord, CIDP DOESN't involve CNS. Second opinion helps clarification

MS or CIDP?: Yes, that is true. CIDP would not cause cognitive or emotional deficits. CIDP should cause diminished reflexes, numbness or weakness in a distribution affecting lower legs and hands, and can be found by nerve conduction testing. MS may cause a variety of symptoms, and is often found by brain MRI testing and spinal tap.

Neurologist is right: CIDP affects the peripheral nerves only. So, it doesn't affect cognition.