What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome?

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome?

Charcot (shahr-KOH)-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage. This damage is mostly in the arms and legs (peripheral nerves). Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is also called hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease results in smaller, weaker muscles.

Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease a form of muscular dystrophy?

No, CMT is not a type of muscular dystrophy. CMT is primarily a disease of the peripheral nerves, whereas muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases of the muscle itself. CMT causes weakness and impaired sensory perception because signals can’t get to and from the brain to muscle and skin, among other things.

Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease life threatening?

CMT is not life threatening and most people with the condition have the same life expectancy as a person without the condition. But it can make everyday activities very difficult. Living with a long-term progressive condition can also have a significant emotional impact.

Is CMT real?

CMT is a heterogenous genetic disease, meaning mutations in different genes can produce similar clinical symptoms. CMT is named for the three physicians who described it in 1886. There is currently no cure for CMT but it can be managed with supportive therapy.

Can CMT be passed from father to daughter?

This change is called a mutation. Some genetic mutations are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down from a parent to their child. CMT is caused by hereditary genetic mutations. But just because someone has CMT doesn’t mean they got it from one of their parents.

Can CMT show up later in life?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease usually becomes apparent in adolescence or early adulthood, but onset may occur anytime from early childhood through late adulthood.

What’s the difference between Charcot foot and Charcot-Marie-Tooth?

“Charcot-Marie-Tooth is an inherited peripheral neuropathy, causing muscle weakness and sensory loss in the arms, hands, feet and legs. Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot in people who have nerve damage.

Is CMT considered a disability?

Medically Qualifying Under A Disability Listing: CMT is a form of peripheral neuropathy, meaning it affects the nerves and muscles in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a standard disability listing for this type of neurological disorder.

Does CMT affect the brain?

CMT causes damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and relay sensations, such as pain and touch, to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body. There are a number of types of CMT.