April 29, 2016
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of disorders passed down through families that affect the nerves outside the brain and spine. These are called the peripheral nerves.
Back to TopAlternative Names
Progressive neuropathic (peroneal) muscular atrophy; Hereditary peroneal nerve dysfunction; Neuropathy - peroneal (hereditary); Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy
Back to TopCauses
Charcot-Marie-Tooth is one of the most common nerve-related disorders passed down through families (inherited). Problems in at least 40 genes cause different forms of this disease.
The disease leads to damage or destruction to the covering (myelin sheath) around nerve fibers.
Back to TopSymptoms
Nerves that stimulate movement (called the motor nerves) are most severely affected. The nerves in the legs are affected first and most severely.
Symptoms usually begin between mid-childhood and early adulthood. They may include:
- Foot deformity (very high arch to feet)
- Foot drop (inability to hold foot horizontal)
- Loss of lower leg muscle, which leads to skinny calves
- Numbness in the foot or leg
- "Slapping" gait (feet hit the floor hard when walking)
- Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet
Later, similar symptoms may appear in the arms and hands, which may include a claw-like hand.
Back to TopExams and Tests
A physical exam may show:
- Difficulty lifting up the foot and making toe-out movements
- Lack of stretch reflexes in the legs
- Loss of muscle control and atrophy (shrinking of the muscles) in the foot or leg
- Thickened nerve bundles under the skin of the legs
Genetic testing is available for most forms of the disease.
Back to TopTreatment
There is no known cure. Orthopedic surgery or equipment (such as braces or orthopedic shoes) may make it easier to walk.
Physical and occupational therapy may help maintain muscle strength and improve independent functioning.
Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease slowly gets worse. Some parts of the body may become numb, and pain can range from mild to severe. Eventually the disease may cause disability.
Back to TopPossible Complications
- Progressive inability to walk
- Progressive weakness
- Injury to areas of the body that have decreased sensation
Back to TopWhen to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if there is persistent weakness or decreased sensation in the feet or legs.
Back to TopPrevention
Genetic counseling and testing is advised if there is a strong family history of the disorder.
Back to TopReferencesSarnat HB. Hereditary Motor-Sensory Neuropathies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 612.
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