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Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

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Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of disorders that affect the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves carry signals to your muscles to control movements. CMT is caused by defects in genes. You can inherit a gene defect that causes CMT. Or, a new gene defect can occur during conception. Once a person has a gene defect that causes CMT, it can be passed down to the next generation.

CMT most often affects the lower legs, feet, and hands. The disease causes 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, the lower legs may weaken, causing problems with walking. Later, the 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.

CMT has no cure. But treatment can help people cope with its disabling symptoms. 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. Medicine can relieve pain.

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More information on charcot-marie-tooth disease

Explore other publications and websites

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This fact sheet explains what Charcot-Marie Tooth disease is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, 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
• Facts About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Dejerine-Sottas Disease (Copyright © Muscular Dystrophy Association) — This pamphlet provides an overview of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Dejerine-Sottas disease. It describes physical changes that might occur over time in people with these diseases and how to adapt to these changes. It also discusses the genetic aspects of the diseases.
  http://www.mda.org/publications/fa-cmt.html
• NINDS Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder Information Page — This online publication reviews treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder, prognosis, research, and provides additional resources.
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/charcot_marie_tooth.htm

Connect with other organizations

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association
  http://www.charcot-marie-tooth.org/
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
  http://www.mda.org/
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Content last updated September 22, 2009.

Resources last updated September 22, 2009.

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