Over time these nerves deteriorate and as a result individuals with CMT may lose normal use of their feet, legs, hands, and arms. The varied types of CMT are distinguished by age of onset, inheritance pattern, severity, and defects in the myelin or axon.

CMT is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people worldwide. The disease is named for the three physicians who first identified it in 1886 — Jean-Martin Charcot and Pierre Marie in Paris, France, and Howard Henry Tooth in Cambridge, England.

Based on Genetic studies, CMT is caused by duplication, deletion, or mutations of specific genes of the peripheral myelin and axons. Genetic studies play a vital role in dealing with CMT.

Getting Diagnosed

When diagnosed with CMT it can be a scary moment in a person’s life. It is important to know that there are thousands of people also dealing with the disease and living full functional lives, irregardless of the severity of their diagnosis.

Treatment

Treating CMT involves minimizing symptoms and helping individuals cope with the disease. Treatments involve physical therapy, orthotics, leg braces and potential surgery to correct deformities. Regular foot care and wearing the right shoes can be very helpful in relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

Who Has It?

CMT mostly surfaces in adolescence, early adulthood or middle age. It is as prevalent as MS or ALS yet is not widely recognized as it is commonly un-diagnosed or diagnosed later in life. CMT is estimated to affect more than 250,000 men and women in North America.