NINDS Hereditary Neuropathies Information Page

Skip secondary menu

Hereditary Neuropathies

Information Page

Publications
Organizations
Clinical Trials
News
Research literature

Disclaimer

NINDS is part of the
National Institutes of
Health

Download Adobe Reader

Print-friendly version

Email this page

Synonym(s): Neuropathy - Hereditary

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What are Hereditary Neuropathies?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

What are Hereditary Neuropathies?
Hereditary neuropathies are a group of inherited disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Within the group there are 4 subcategories of disorders, including hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, hereditary sensory neuropathy, hereditary motor neuropathy, and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy. Symptoms of these disorders vary and may include numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, muscle weakness (especially in the distal muscles), scoliosis, thin lower legs, foot deformities, insensitivity to pain, and autonomic symptoms such as impaired sweating, postural hypotension, and skin blotching. Nerve conduction studies, nerve biopsies, and genetic testing help with diagnosis. These disorders may be diagnosed as early as birth or as late as middle or late age. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder accounts for the majority of all hereditary neuropathies.

Is there any treatment?

There is no standard course of treatment for hereditary neuropathies. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive and may include orthopedic surgery and bracing to improve mobility, and measures to protect against stress fractures-particularly in the feet and legs. Genetic counseling is available.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for individuals with hereditary neuropathies depends upon the type of neuropathy. Some types progress slower than others.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on neuromuscular disorders, such as hereditary neuropathies, aimed at learning more about these disorders and finding ways to prevent and treat them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) P.O. Box 850 Rocklin, CA 95677-0850 ACPA@pacbell.net http://www.theacpa.org Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231 Fax: 916-632-3208	Neuropathy Association 60 East 42nd Street Suite 942 New York, NY 10165-0999 info@neuropathy.org http://www.neuropathy.org Tel: 212-692-0662 Fax: 212-692-0668
Muscular Dystrophy Association 3300 East Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ 85718-3208 mda@mdausa.org http://www.mda.org Tel: 520-529-2000 800-344-4863 Fax: 520-529-5300

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Information Page
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder information page compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Fact Sheet
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease fact sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Return to top

Last updated November 13, 2007