Charcot-Marie-Tooth 

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is one of a group of disorders that cause damage to the peripheral nerves—the nerves that transmit information and signals from the brain and spinal cord to and from the rest of the body, as well as sensory information such as touch, back to the spinal cord and brain.  CMT also can directly affect the nerves that control the muscles. 

Progressive muscle weakness typically becomes noticeable in adolescence or early adulthood, but the onset of disease can occur at any age. Because longer nerves are affected first, symptoms usually begin in the feet and lower legs and then can affect the fingers, hands, and arms. Most individuals with CMT have some amount of physical disability, although some people may never know they have the disease.

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Symptoms may include:

• Weakness or paralysis of the foot and lower leg muscles, which can cause difficulty lifting the foot (foot drop)

• A high-stepped gait with frequent tripping or falling

• Balance problems

• Foot deformities, such as high arches and curled toes (hammertoes)

• Lower legs may take on an "inverted champagne bottle" shape due to the loss of muscle bulk

• Reduced ability to feel heat, cold, and touch

• Weakness and atrophy may occur in the hands, causing difficulty with fine motor skills

• Decreased sense of vibration and position (proprioception)

• Curvature of the spine (scoliosis)

• Hip displacement

• Contractures (chronic shortening of muscles or tendons around joints)

• Muscle cramping

• Nerve pain