Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is one of the most common inherited peripheral nerve disorders, affecting about 150,000 people in the United States. It’s a progressive condition that damages the nerves that control movement and sensation in your arms and legs.
Although CMT progresses slowly, early signs can appear in childhood or adolescence, and they can easily be mistaken for clumsiness or poor coordination. Knowing how to recognize these early signs can make a big difference in getting the right support and treatment, and our team at Integrated Neurology Services is here to help.
We offer comprehensive care for neuromuscular diseases like CMT in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, Virginia. Here, we explain more about this condition and signs to watch for.
CMT is a genetic condition that damages your peripheral nerves. These nerves transmit signals between your brain/spinal cord and the muscles and sensory organs in your limbs. When these nerves don’t work properly, it can cause progressive muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty with balance and mobility.
CMT is named after the three physicians who first described it in the late 1800s, and it has several types, with varying degrees of severity.
CMT is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the structure and function of your peripheral nerves. These mutations are inherited, which means the condition is passed down from one or both parents. Most forms of CMT are autosomal dominant, meaning a person only needs to inherit one copy of the faulty gene to develop the disease.
The genetic defects can affect either the nerve’s protective covering (myelin) or the nerve fiber itself (axon), disrupting how signals travel through the body.
CMT symptoms typically begin in childhood or early adulthood, but some people may not notice them until later in life. Because the disease develops slowly, early signs are often subtle and easy to overlook. Common early indicators include:
CMT is a progressive disease, so symptoms tend to worsen over time. Eventually, it can begin affecting hand function, mobility, and overall independence without proper management.
If you notice signs of CMT in yourself or your child, it’s important to see a neurology specialist for a thorough evaluation. Our neuromuscular specialists are trained in identifying neurological diseases like CMT, and we can help you get the answers you need. Diagnosis typically involves:
Once we reach a diagnosis, we partner with you to manage your condition. There’s no cure for CMT, but physical therapy, orthotics, assistive devices, and symptom management can significantly improve quality of life and mobility.
Are you concerned about CMT symptoms? Early diagnosis and intervention can help slow its progression and improve daily function. Contact us online or call 703-313-9111 to schedule a consultation with our neuromuscular care team.
