Newly Diagnosed: Taking the First Step on Your Journey

CMT disease is a group of inherited disorders of the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that supply movement and sensation to the arms and legs. First described in 1886 by three physicians — Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth — CMT is one of the most common inherited neuropathies.

The various types and subtypes of CMT disease are classified on the basis of the genes that are mutated, the way the disease is inherited, the speed of nerve conduction, the age of disease onset, the severity level of the condition, the clinical symptoms, and the site of peripheral nerve damage.

CMT disease is caused by mutations in genes that affect the function of peripheral nerves — the nerves that control motor and sensory functions. The defective genes may cause degeneration of either the nerve fibers (axons) or the surrounding myelin sheath, leading to muscle weakness in the extremities.

CMT weakens motor and sensory nerves and is a progressive condition, which means symptoms worsen with time. The first signs are walking difficulties, and main symptoms include muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include fatigue, hearing loss, scoliosis, and breathing problems.

CMT disease is characterized by muscle weakness in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, but these symptoms alone are not enough to confirm a diagnosis. Doctors may recommend various tests such as genetic testing, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and less frequently, nerve biopsy.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a lifelong, progressive disorder, which presents daily challenges that tend to become more difficult as the patient ages. Living with CMT means learning and finding ways to adapt, continuously adjusting to changing limitations.