How do you get CMT disease?
What causes CMT? CMT is caused by an inherited fault in one of the many genes responsible for the development of the peripheral nerves. This fault means the nerves become damaged over time. A child with CMT may have inherited the genetic fault responsible for the condition from 1 or both of their parents.
Is CMT a terminal disease?
CMT is not a fatal disease. Most people with it live to a normal age and remain active. In rare cases, it may affect the muscles you need to breathe. Because this can be especially dangerous at night, you may need a nighttime breathing assistive device.
Does CMT shorten life expectancy?
CMT disease does not usually shorten the expected life span.
How bad can CMT get?
Complications of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease vary in severity from person to person. Foot abnormalities and difficulty walking are usually the most serious problems. Muscles may get weaker, and you may injure areas of the body that experience decreased sensation.
Is CMT a form of MS?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type X (CMTX) may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease, according to data from a Greek study.
Can CMT be passed from father to daughter?
This change is called a mutation. Some genetic mutations are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down from a parent to their child. CMT is caused by hereditary genetic mutations. But just because someone has CMT doesn’t mean they got it from one of their parents.
What is it like living with CMT?
Living with CMT can be discouraging, frustrating, and overwhelming, and may lead to sadness, loneliness, anger, and fear. It may also lead to guilt as patients may feel like others are having to work more because they are unable to.
What’s the difference between Charcot foot and Charcot-Marie-Tooth?
“Charcot-Marie-Tooth is an inherited peripheral neuropathy, causing muscle weakness and sensory loss in the arms, hands, feet and legs. Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot in people who have nerve damage.