Does CMT cause depression?

Depression. While CMT itself does not cause depression, if the problems caused by the condition are not successfully managed, the ongoing strain and stress may make you more susceptible to mental illness, including depression.

Does CMT affect the brain?

CMT causes damage to the peripheral nerves, which carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and relay sensations, such as pain and touch, to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body.

Does stress make CMT worse?

Does stress make CMT worse? Stress does not make the nerve damage worse and does not make CMT worse, but may make some symptoms like sleep, discomfort, pain, tingling and even balance worse.

Does CMT get worse as you get older?

CMT is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms gradually get worse over time. This means it may be difficult to spot symptoms in young children who have CMT. Signs that a young child may have CMT include: appearing unusually clumsy and accident-prone for their age.

Do people with CMT end up in a wheelchair?

Mobility difficulties. Many people with CMT will not need a wheelchair or motorized scooter, but an older person with advanced CMT or someone with a severe type might require one of these to get around, especially when traversing long distances. Like AFOs, wheelchairs are not what they used to be.

How long is the average lifespan of a person with CMT?

Life expectancy is normal in most patients with CMT. The degree of disability varies according to the CMT subtype, and it is unpredictable between and within families; even identical twins may be differently affected. Typically, HNPP patients have a good quality of life between episodes of nerve damage.

Is CMT considered a disability?

Medically Qualifying Under A Disability Listing: CMT is a form of peripheral neuropathy, meaning it affects the nerves and muscles in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a standard disability listing for this type of neurological disorder.

Does CMT affect your teeth?

This damage is mostly in the arms and legs (peripheral nerves). Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is also called hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease results in smaller, weaker muscles.

What does CMT pain feel like?

Because CMT causes damage to sensory nerve fibers (axons), people with CMT can feel tingling and burning sensations in the hands and feet, usually causing only mild discomfort but sometimes causing pain. The sense of touch is diminished, as is the ability to sense changes in temperature.

Is CMT a form of MS?

CMT, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Muscular Dystrophy (MD)are three completely separate and distinct diseases.

Does CMT make tired?

Fatigue in CMT Fatigue is a common symptom in CMT. A study, published in the Journal of Neurology in 2010 and based on questionnaire given patients and an age- and sex-matched control group, reported that fatigue levels were significantly higher in people with CMT.

At what age does CMT present?

The symptoms of CMT usually start to appear between the ages of 5 and 15, although they sometimes do not develop until well into middle age or later. CMT is a progressive condition. This means the symptoms slowly get worse, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult.

What does Charcot Marie Tooth disease do to your body?

This damage is mostly in your arms and legs (peripheral nerves). Charcot-Marie-Tooth is also called hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease results in smaller, weaker muscles. You may also experience loss of sensation and muscle contractions, and difficulty walking.

Is there a support group for Charcot Marie Tooth?

Support groups provide a forum for sharing information, advice, and success stories with others facing the daily challenges of CMT. Charcot-Marie-Tooth News is strictly a news and information website about the disease.

Are there any medications that can make Charcot Marie Tooth disease worse?

Also, medications such as the chemotherapy drugs vincristine (Marqibo), paclitaxel (Abraxane, Taxol) and others can make symptoms worse. Be sure to let your doctor know about all of the medications you’re taking. Complications of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease vary in severity from person to person.

Can a person with Charcot Marie Tooth disease squat?

Any action that requires significant upper or lower body strength can be a challenge, and it may be very difficult or impossible to stoop, squat, kneel, or climb. Weak muscles in the legs and feet also cause foot deformities, such as foot drop, unusually high arches, and hammertoes.