Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT)

What is Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) Disease?

Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage. It is also called hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.

CMT generally causes damage to the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs. It can result in muscle weakness, loss of sensation, difficulty walking, and foot deformities.

What Are the Symptoms of Charcot Marie Tooth Disease?

Symptoms vary based on the individual. As the disease progresses, they may spread from the legs and feet to the arms and hands. The most common symptoms include:

Weakness in legs, ankles, and feet
Loss of muscle bulk in legs and feet
High foot arches
Hammertoes – curled toes
Decreased ability to run
Footdrop – difficulty lifting foot at the ankle
Higher than normal step
Frequent tripping or falling
Loss of feeling in legs and feet

What Causes Charcot Marie Tooth Disease?

CMT is a genetic condition. It is caused by mutations in the genes that affect the peripheral nerves. Because it is hereditary, you have a higher risk of developing the disease if someone in your immediate family has it.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT)

Our Inherited Neuropathy Clinic at UR Medicine provides multidisciplinary care and opportunities for participation in research for children, adults, and families. We offer treatment for CMT and other forms of Inherited Neuropathy, including TTR Amyloid Polyneuropathy.

We focus on all aspects of disease including:

Genetic confirmation
Genetic and family counseling
Gene therapy
CMT and other inherited neuropathies
Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy
Access to research and clinical trials
Orthotics

What Sets Us Apart?

Our team of experts provide excellent, specialized, multidisciplinary clinical care for patients and families with CMT and other forms of Inherited Neuropathy.

We work to improve the quality of life of our patients by providing a team of experts in different specialties needed to best care for Inherited Neuropathies, a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and coordinated care that is highly accessible for families.

We focus on all aspects of disease including diagnosis with genetic confirmation, genetic and family counseling, prevention and management of secondary symptoms and complications, access to clinical research studies and treatment trials and coordination of care with schools and other providers.