| What is Peripheral Neuropathy |
| Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms |
| Types of Peripheral Neuropathy |
| Evaluation and Tests |
| Treatment and Therapy |
| Clinical Trials |
| Appointments |
| Research |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Types of Peripheral Neuropathy - Hereditary |
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a broad term used to describe a group of inherited neurological disorders characterized by a slowly progressive degeneration of the muscles in the foot, lower leg, hand, and forearm, and a mild loss of sensation in the limbs, fingers, and toes. Three French doctors, Jean-Marie Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth, discovered CMT in 1886. Although CMT is one of the most common inherited neuromuscular disorders, it is often misdiagnosed. The number of people in the United States that have CMT is currently estimated to be 125,000. The symptoms of CMT depend on which form of the disease is inherited, but generally start between mid-childhood and early adulthood. The first signs are usually foot abnormalities, such as an unusually high arch or flexed ("hammer") toes. People with CMT often trip on curbs. Sprained ankles and fractures of the ankles and lower legs are not uncommon. As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and wasting leads to difficulties with walking, running and balance. If the hands are affected, daily activities such as turning doorknobs, fastening buttons, or writing can become difficult. The disease is slowly progressive and, although many patients need to wear a brace to prevent their feet from dragging, the leg and foot problems are rarely disabling enough to require a wheelchair. CMT is not a fatal disease and the disorder does not affect normal life expectancy. TYPES 1, 2, AND 3 OF CMTCMT is usually divided into types 1 and 2, depending on which part of the peripheral nerve is affected. The majority of people have type 1, which affects the myelin sheath (the protective covering of the nerve). About one-third of people with CMT have type 2, which affects the nerve fibers (axons) themselves. An especially severe form of CMT, sometimes referred to as type 3 CMT, is also known as Déjerine-Sottas disease, after the two French doctors who discovered it in the late 19th century. With Déjerine-Sottas disease, the peripheral nerves become enlarged or thickened, leading to muscle weakness. The symptoms often show up in infancy and progressively affect a child's ability to walk. How is it inherited? At least four genes have been discovered to be the cause of CMT. CMT usually is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that each child that has a parent with CMT has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. It can also be inherited in a recessive or an X-linked pattern. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)
EVALUATION AND TESTS(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary.) The disease is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because many physicians are not aware of CMT and because the severity of CMT can vary between patients, even within the same family. The diagnostic evaluation includes a clinical assessment of muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation.
TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated.) Although there is no cure for CMT, physical therapy, occupational therapy and moderate physical activity may help maintain muscle strength and endurance. Lightweight lower leg braces, special shoes or shoe inserts can help prevent ankle sprains and maximize independence. Surgery may be suggested to correct foot deformities.
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