This page is part of a CMT facts sheet prepared by the CMTA. Last updated: 3/16/1996.

CMT FACTS I

A CMTA Special Report

ISBN # 1-56806-683-X
Vol. 1, No. 1

Providing information on Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorders (a.k.a. Peroneal Muscular Atrophy or Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy), the most common inherited neuropathy. Published by the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association. Contents ©1993, CMTA. All rights reserved.

CMT...

  • is the most common inherited neuropathy, affecting approximately 125,000 Americans.
  • is also known as peroneal muscular atrophy and hereditary motor sensory neuropathy.
  • is slowly progressive, causing deterioration of peripheral nerves which control sensory information and muscle function of the foot/lower leg and hand/forearm.
  • causes degeneration of peroneal muscles (located on the front of the leg below the knee).
  • causes foot-drop walking gait foot bone abnormalities, high arches and hammer toes, problems with balance, problems with hand function occasional lower leg and forearm muscle cramping, loss of some normal reflexes, occasional partial sight and/or hearing loss problems, respiratory problems. Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) is sometimes present.
  • does not affect life expectancy.
  • has no effective treatment, although physical therapy, occupational therapy and moderate physical activity are beneficial.
  • is sometimes surgically treated.
  • is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
  • may become worse if certain neurotoxic drugs are taken.
  • can vary greatly in severity, even within the same family.
  • can, in rare instances, cause severe disability.
  • is the focus of significant genetic research, bringing us closer to answering the CMT enigma.

ABOUT THE CMTA:

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) was founded in 1983 to provide a focal point for those involved with CMT- patients, families, medical professionals, research scientists and others. The CMTA educates by publishing a quarterly newsletter, sponsoring patient and professional conferences, and serving as an information source about CMT. It also coordinates support groups, provides physician referrals, does patient advocacy and works closely with the research community. To join the CMTA, complete the form on the back cover. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation. This material is presented for educational purposes only and is not meant to either diagnose or prescribe. While there is no substitute for professional medical care for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorders, these briefs offer current medical opinion that the reader may use to aid and supplement a doctor's treatment.

Contents

Join the CMTA

Write to:

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association
Crozer Mills Enterprise Center
601 Upland Avenue
Upland, PA 19015

to receive the quarterly newsletter, CMTA Report. This will put you in touch with the CMT community and keep you informed of current CMT research, treatment innovations, support group meetings, CMT conferences and provide you with other helpful information. The CMTA has published a sequel to this publication which is entitled CMT Facts II. The CMTA also has medical lectures on VCR tape which were made at past CMT patient/faniily conferences. For information about ordering these resources contact the CMTA.