Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Also called: Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Peroneal muscular atrophy Summary Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of genetic nerve disorders. It is named after the three doctors who first identified it. In the United States, CMT affects about 1 in 2,500 people. CMT affects your peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves carry movement and sensation signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. Symptoms usually start around the teen years. Foot problems such as high arches or hammertoes can be early symptoms. As CMT progresses, your lower legs may weaken. Later, your hands may also become weak. Doctors diagnose CMT by doing a neurologic exam, nerve tests, genetic tests, or a nerve biopsy. There is no cure. The disease can be so mild you don’t realize you have it or severe enough to make you weak. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, braces and other devices and sometimes surgery can help. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Genetics Causes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) Muscular Dystrophy Association Genetics Home Reference: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease National Library of Medicine Learning about Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease National Human Genome Research Institute Start Here Charcot-Marie-Tooth and Related Diseases Muscular Dystrophy Association Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Array Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease National Institutes of Health Specifics CMT1 Muscular Dystrophy Association Diagnosis and Tests Electromyography (EMG) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Find an Expert Find a Neurologist American Academy of Neurology National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Living With Medical Management Muscular Dystrophy Association Related Issues Peripheral Neuropathy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Journal Articles Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Muscular Dystrophy Association
