--CIPA as opposed to CIDP, though the tapeworm/B12 level would still not necessarily be connected.

Now, Mel--many people with autoimmune conditions (not just neuropathy) often report succcess with IVIg administration, although the improvemnt varies, and generally is no that long-lived; successive administrations, as that site says, are necessary to keep the improvements at a given level (by keeping rogue autoantibodies that are attacking tissue at lower levels).

From what you've said of Alan, he probably deos not have a classic CIDP case, as that normally involves considerable motor deficit and/or sensory loss, and his symptoms are primarily painful. There are, however, related autoimmume neuropathies:

http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromusc...y/pnimdem.html

He may have a spinal component to his lower extermity pain, but I'm sure part of the reason for the IVIg recommendation is the high protein level in his spinal fluid, which, depending on the protein, would indicate some autoimmunity going on, which may have many effects besides neuropathy. (And people trained by Latov and company are big proponents of IVIg therapy.)

I just wonder why Alan would have to be an in-patient for that long during the first administration. When IVIg is infused to a patient for the first time, they normally want it done in a hospital to monitor the process and any side effects, but if the first infusion goes well a patient is normally allowed to go home at the end of the day and then come back the next . . .perhaps the insurance requires the hospital stay in order that it be completely paid for. IVIg is very expesnive, and many insurances will fully cover medications administered during a hosptial stay, but not for outpatients.