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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of disorders that affect the nerves that lie outside your brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry signals to your muscles to control movements. CMT is caused by gene defects that are passed on in families.

CMT most often affects your lower legs, feet, and hands. The disease causes your muscles to weaken and waste away. Symptoms usually start in the teen years or early adulthood. Early symptoms can be foot problems, such as high arches or flexed toes. As CMT gets worse, your lower legs may weaken, causing problems with walking. Later, your hands may also become weak, making it difficult to do things such as write.

Some people with CMT are only mildly affected, while others have a hard time walking. Many people with CMT lead active lives and have a normal life span.

There is no cure for CMT, but there are treatments. Physical therapy may delay or reduce muscle loss. Ankle braces can help you walk. Thumb splints, which support and limit the motion of your thumb joints, can help with hand weakness.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   NINDS Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder Information Page - This on-line publication reviews treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder, prognosis, research, and provides additional resources regarding this disorder.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/charcot_marie_tooth.htm

2. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (Copyright © MFMER) - This fact sheet explains what Charcot-Marie Tooth disease is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, how it can be prevented, and what treatment options are available. It also includes information on complications, self-care, and ways to cope with the disease.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/charcot-marie-tooth-disease/DS00557

3. Facts About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Dejerine-Sottas Disease (Copyright © Muscular Dystrophy Association) - This pamphlet explains what Charcot Marie-Tooth disease is, what causes it, how it can be prevented, and what treatment options are available. It also discusses whether or not the disease can be inherited.

   http://www.mda.org/publications/fa-cmt.html

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
2. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association
3. Muscular Dystrophy Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.