![]() ![]() When neuropathic pain is present as a symptom of CMT, it is comparable to that seen in other peripheral neuropathies, as well as postherpetic neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome, among other diseases. However, pain is not experienced by all people with CMT. For some people, pain can be significant to severe and interfere with daily life activities. Neuropathic pain is often a symptom of CMT, though, like other symptoms of CMT, its presence and severity vary from case to case. Analgesic medications may also be needed if other therapies do not provide relief from pain. It can be mitigated or treated by physical therapies, surgeries, and corrective or assistive devices. Pain due to postural changes, skeletal deformations, muscle fatigue, and cramping is fairly common in people with CMT. Patients with CMT must avoid periods of prolonged immobility such as when recovering from a secondary injury, as prolonged periods of limited mobility can drastically accelerate symptoms of CMT. Pregnancy has been known to exacerbate CMT, as well as severe emotional stress. Gastrointestinal problems can be part of CMT, as can difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking (due to atrophy of vocal cords). ![]() Scoliosis is common, causing hunching and loss of height. Breathing can be affected in some, as can hearing, vision, and neck and shoulder muscles. Involuntary grinding of teeth and squinting are prevalent and often go unnoticed by the person affected. Symptoms and progression of the disease can vary. Overuse of an affected hand or limb can activate symptoms including numbness, spasm, and painful cramping. Sensory and proprioceptive nerves in the hands and feet are often damaged, while unmyelinated pain nerves are left intact. High-arched feet ( pes cavus) or flat-arched feet ( pes planus) are classically associated with the disorder. Early- and late-onset forms occur with 'on and off' painful spasmodic muscular contractions that can be disabling when the disease activates. Loss of touch sensation in the feet, ankles, and legs as well as in the hands, wrists, and arms occurs with various types of the disease. Weakness in the hands and forearms occurs in many people as the disease progresses. ![]() Wasting of muscle tissue of the lower parts of the legs may give rise to a "stork leg" or "inverted champagne bottle" appearance. This can also cause hammertoe, where the toes are always curled. Usually, the initial symptom is foot drop early in the course of the disease. Some people do not experience symptoms until their early 30s or 40s. Symptoms of CMT usually begin in early childhood or early adulthood but can begin later. ![]() CMT was previously classified as a subtype of muscular dystrophy. It is named after those who classically described it: the Frenchman Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893), his pupil Pierre Marie (1853–1940), and the Briton Howard Henry Tooth (1856–1925). This disease is the most commonly inherited neurological disorder, affecting about one in 2,500 people. Genetic testing, nerve conduction study or electromyogram (EMG)Ĭharcot–Marie–Tooth disease ( CMT) is a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy of the peripheral nervous system characterized by progressive loss of muscle tissue and touch sensation across various parts of the body. Neurology, podiatry, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitationįoot drop, hammertoe, peripheral muscle wasting of lower legs and lower arm/handsįamily history (genetics), high-arched feet, flat-arched feet ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |