The life expectancy of someone living with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) varies considerably depending on the severity of their condition. Mild forms of CMT may experience relatively few problems and live a normal life span.
People with more severe forms may have more difficulty walking, but with progressive treatments and supportive management, they often live meaningful lives reaching a similar length as their unaffected peers.
In some cases, mobility issues reduce life expectancy.
Overall, life expectancy with CMT is hard to predict as every case is unique and depends on the progression of symptoms and how they are managed. Generally speaking, however, people living with CMT can expect to live a full and active life, as long as they receive appropriate support.
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How fast does CMT progress?
The progression of CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can vary greatly between individuals. Generally, the milder forms of CMT tend to progress more slowly, while more severe forms can experience more rapid advancement.
The progression of CMT is mainly characterized by a loss of muscle strength and function in the limbs. Early signs of CMT may be noticed in childhood, while some individuals may not experience any visible symptoms until they are in their twenties or later in life.
The rate of progression can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of CMT, the age of onset, and the overall health of the patient. In some cases, CMT may not progress or may even improve over time.
In other cases, the motor and sensory impairments associated with CMT may worsen over time. CMT can cause muscle weakness and atrophy in the lower limbs and feet to the point where the patient is unable to walk unaided.
In the most severe cases, it may include upper limb weakness, immunodeficiency, and nerve pain. Other associated symptoms may include foot drop, high foot arches, and hammer toes. Although there is currently no cure for CMT, treatments and lifestyle adaptations can help reduce its progression and improve quality of life.
Can CMT progress quickly?
Yes, CMT can progress quickly, depending on the severity of the condition. CMT typically progresses over many years, but symptoms can suddenly worsen over the course of weeks, months or even years. Mild forms of CMT can remain relatively stable over time, while more serious forms can progress more quickly and become disabling.
In some cases, symptoms can progress gradually over many years, while in others they may worsen more rapidly.
The rate of progression can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the condition. For example, people with CMT type 1, which is the most common form of CMT, may experience a gradual progression of symptoms over time, while those with CMT type 2 may experience a more rapid progression within a few years.
Other forms of CMT can affect peripheral nerves, leading to more severe symptoms that may worsen quickly.
In general, cCMT tends to progress slowly, but there is no definite timeline for how quickly it may progress. People with the condition should discuss their individual cases with a doctor for a more accurate picture of what to expect.
How do you slow down the progression of CMT?
At present, there is no available treatment or cure that can directly slow the progression of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. However, physical therapies and other treatments can help to manage the symptoms of CMT and minimize the effects it has on daily life.
Such treatments may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics, braces, and medications.
Physical therapy is often used to help treat muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and other effects that CMT can have on muscles and joints. Physical therapy can manage the muscle weakness and help improve overall strength, coordination and balance.
Exercises can also be used to maintain and improve posture, flexibility, joint range of motion, and the range of motion of weakened muscles.
Occupational therapy can help with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, hygiene and other household chores. Medical devices such as braces, splints, and orthotics can help to reduce muscle atrophy and improve stability and safety.
Medications can be prescribed to improve nerve conduction velocity, reduce spasticity and provide pain relief.
Although there is currently no available treatment to slow down the progress of CMT, a variety of treatments can be used to manage the symptoms and help to maintain a good quality of life. It is important to develop an individualized treatment plan with your health care provider that best suits your needs.
Does CMT always get worse?
No, CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) does not always get worse. Depending on the type of CMT, there are varying degrees of symptom severity, ranging from mild to severe. Most cases tend to be mild to moderate, and are characterized by progressive muscle weakness in the lower legs, feet and hands.
In some cases, symptoms may remain the same or even improve over time. For instance, some milder forms of CMT may stabilize after a period of time and not cause any further problems.
In more severe cases, symptoms may continue to worsen, but this varies depending on the type of CMT and the individual. Treatment is also available to help manage symptoms and maintain mobility, such as physical and occupational therapy, braces and orthopedic surgery.
Additionally, through medications, lifestyle modifications, and supportive care, people with CMT can reduce the progression of their disease and help to maintain their independence.
What can make CMT worse?
CMT can be made worse by factors that increase the pressure placed on nerves and the muscles, including activities or conditions that cause physical trauma such as falls, foot deformities, prolonged standing or walking, and tight shoes.
Poor posture and maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle can also cause increased compression on sensory and motor nerves, resulting in increased symptoms of CMT. In some cases, ill-fitting orthopedic devices (braces and splints) can contribute to the severity of CMT, as well as certain medications that can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Additionally, environmental factors, such as changes in temperature and humidity, can cause temporary discomfort and worsen the symptoms of CMT. Lastly, people with CMT are at higher risk of developing complications related to muscle atrophy, such as joint contractures, deformities, and respiratory muscle weakness.
What can be mistaken for CMT?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a genetic disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle loss and weakness in the limbs. This can lead to walking difficulties, as well as problems grasping objects and experiencing sensation in the limbs.
While CMT has certain symptoms, many of which are similar to other neurological conditions, it cannot be mistaken for any other disorder.
CMT is primarily caused by changes in genetic material, which can lead to errors in how nerve cells respond to signals. Because of this, CMT most closely resembles other genetic neurological disorders such as hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), which can also cause problems with coordinated muscle movements, as well as numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking.
CMT can also be confused with progressive muscular dystrophy, which generally affects the lower limbs more severely than CMT does.
Aside from its genetic origin, CMT can be mistaken for other neurological conditions due to its symptom overlap. CMT can share symptoms with myasthenia gravis, which is a condition that can cause muscular weakness, as well as issues with dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue.
It may also be confused with multiple sclerosis (MS), as both conditions can lead to muscle weakness and coordination difficulties.
Finally, it is possible for someone to mistake a symptom of CMT for another unrelated health issue, such as lower back pain. Since CMT affects nerve pathways, some of its symptoms can manifest in other parts of the body and be misdiagnosed as a different disorder.
It is important to seek medical advice to make sure any issues experienced do not stem from CMT.
What is the average age of onset for CMT?
The average age of onset for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is typically between 5 and 15 years of age, though in some cases symptoms can present much earlier or later depending on the type and severity of CMT.
CMT is an inherited neurological disorder which affects the peripheral nerves and is characterized by muscle weakness in the feet and lower legs and sensory deficits in the arms and hands. It can also cause a drop in the arch of the foot, hammertoe deformities and scoliosis.
CMT is classified into two primary categories, demyelinating CMT or CMT1 and axonal CMT or CMT2. CMT1 is typically the more mild form of CMT and can present with mild muscle weakness or sensory deficits that are easy to overlook or dismiss.
CMT1 generally tends to present at a earlier age than CMT2, with an average age of onset of 5-15 years old. However, this average can vary depending on the type and severity of the case. CMT2 is usually more severe and presents later in life (generally between 30 and 40 years old).
CMT2 can also cause significant walking impairments, as well as severe sensory deficits. Regardless of the type or severity of CMT, early diagnosis is key in managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
Can you have mild CMT?
Yes, it is possible to have a mild form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Mild forms of CMT can cause only mild difficulty with movement and balance, like frequent foot or ankle sprains and clumsiness with movement.
Some people with mild forms of CMT may not even realize they have it and never experience any significant symptoms.
The most common symptom of mild CMT is foot or ankle sprain or pain, although other symptoms can include muscle weakness and cramping, pain in the legs and feet, a decrease in sensitivity to light touch, and a decrease in deep tendon reflexes.
Additionally, people with mild CMT might have an unusually high foot arch, hammertoes, and “walking on their toes” because of the way their muscles and tendons are functioning.
Diagnosis of mild CMT is generally made with a physical examination, and an Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). A genetics test may also be done, however it is not always necessary.
Treatment of mild CMT can include physical therapy, splints, orthotics, and medications, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Can you have CMT and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have CMT and not know it. CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is a genetic disorder that affects the peripheral nerves which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weakness and pain in the arms and legs, foot and hand deformities, muscle losses, difficulties with coordination and balance, fatigue, and others. Although these symptoms are often distinctive, some people with CMT may not experience any signs or symptoms at all, and in other cases, the symptoms can be mild and may go undiagnosed.
If a person does not get tested for CMT, it may remain undetected unless other complications from the disorder arise.
Can CMT occur spontaneously?
Yes, CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) disease can occur spontaneously. CMT is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves in the body, resulting in a range of symptoms from muscle weakness to changes in the way a person feels and perceives sensation.
Although the majority of cases of CMT are believed to be inherited, some cases are known to occur spontaneously. In such cases, the affected individual’s affected gene is either completely new or the result of a random mutation, which is a mutation that is not inherited from either parent.
It is thought that up to 10-20% of all cases of CMT are spontaneous, although this number is likely to be even higher due to the fact that many cases often go undetected.
Can you build muscle with CMT?
Yes, you can build muscle with CMT (Core Myofascial Therapy). CMT is a type of massage therapy that focuses on releasing tension and restriction in the muscles and fascia, which helps to increase flexibility and range of motion.
With this higher level of flexibility, individuals can better perform exercises and movements that help to build muscle. Furthermore, CMT can also promote blood circulation and help reduce inflammation and tension in the muscles, which can lead to a more efficient recovery and help reduce stress, soreness, and injury.
Ultimately, CMT can provide a helpful supplement to your muscle-building goals, helping to reduce the risk of injury and increasing the effectiveness of your routine.
Does CMT show on MRI?
No, CMT (Charcot Marie Tooth disease) does not typically show on MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans. While MRI scans can be used to detect abnormalities in the anatomy of nerves and muscle, CMT is a genetic disorder and does not typically cause changes to the structure of the nerves or muscles on MRI.
However, MRI imaging may be used to detect other issues that can occur due to CMT, such as foot deformities. Additionally, nerve conduction studies, which involve testing the function of the nerves, can be used to diagnose CMT.
