Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), also known as Peroneal Muscular Atrophy, Progressive Neuropathic Peroneal Muscular Atrophy, Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, and Hereditary Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction is a group of inherited disorders that affect the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves).
Signs and Symptoms - The signs and symptoms vary patient to patient and may show in childhood to adulthood and usually start in the feet.
weakness of the legs and hands
high arched feet
clawed hands
thin calves due to muscle atrophy
numbness in the feet and/or legs
high steppage gait and/or "foot slapping" gait
foot drop - difficulty lifting the foot
loss of muscle control
loss of stretch reflexes
Diagnosis - The diagnosis is made by a physician who may use a nerve biopsy or nerve conduction test to confirm the findings. Genetic testing may also be completed.
Prognosis - CMT is a progressive disease and therefore the weakness can continue to progress. It may lead to the inability to walk unassisted and the lack of sensation predisposes the person to injuries.
Treatments - There are no treatments for the disease but there are treatments for the signs and symptoms such as physical or occupational therapy. Braces or splints (orthoses) are often used to help with walking. As foot drop is a common result of CMT, ankle foot orthoses (AFO) or foot drop splints are frequently used by people who have CMT. The AFO controls the ankle and prevents the foot from dropping reducing the chance of catching the toes, tripping or turning the ankles.
