Functional evaluation in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: a case report

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare disorder that affects peripheral nerves, targeting myelin sheath, causing changes in strength, balance, functional mobility and sensitivity. No articles describe a comprehensive functional evaluation for CIDP. Objective. To describe the case of a patient diagnosed with CIDP and provide a guide for functional assessment. Case Report. A 25-year-old woman diagnosed with CIDP was evaluated and monitored by physiotherapy professionals in a university extension project. As an initial functional manifestation, presented impairment for wearing open shoes, cramps occurrence, bilateral paresthesia in the forefoot, imbalance in bipedal stance and muscle weakness. For functional evaluation it was proposed manual dynamometry, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Froment's sign, timed up and go test, classic and Tandem Romberg test, evaluation of tactile, thermal, painful and vibratory sensitivity and Short form 36 quality of life questionnaire. After evaluation, values below normal for grip strength in both hands, positive Romberg test, tactile, thermal, and vibratory hypoesthesia, as well as impairment in quality of life were identified. Conclusion. The functional evaluation proposed was comprehensive to contemplate the main functional deficiencies and limitations described in a typical case of CIDP, enabling the planning and definition of objectives for the physical therapeutic intervention.