Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is a form of Guillain-Barré syndrome that causes symptoms to come on rapidly, often within two to four weeks. This is in contrast to chronic types of the condition, which causes symptoms to progress slowly over the course of eight weeks or so.
The main treatments for AIDP are plasmapheresis (AKA plasma exchange) and immunoglobulin therapy. Plasmapheresis involves removing plasma, which contains harmful antibodies that attack the sheathing around nerves, and extracting red blood cells, which are injected back into the body to produce new plasma. Immunoglobulin therapy works by injecting donor antibodies to prevent a person’s existing antibodies from causing nerve damage.
As for medications, certain drugs can be used to manage the symptoms of AIDP. Pain killers help control the substantial pain most people experience when dealing with this medical condition. Bed rest is usually a factor with AIDP, and prolonged immobility can increase a person’s risk of blood clots. Accordingly, people with AIDP often receive blood thinning medication to prevent hazardous clots from forming.
All medications carry some risks, including those used to manage the health effects of AIDP. Pain killers carry a risk of abuse and dependency, which is why they must be taken as instructed by your doctor. When it comes to blood thinning medications, they can sometimes cause uncontrolled bleeding. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this risk to ensure you take the right steps to protect yourself.
It is not entirely clear why some people develop AIDP, but doctors believe that certain infections can trigger the illness in some people. This includes COVID-19, the flu, and campylobacter bacterial infections. While it is not always possible to prevent AIDP, practicing good hygiene, avoiding ill people, and remaining in good health can reduce your overall chance of infection.