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Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Definition

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spine).

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin between mid-childhood and early adulthood. They may include:

  • Foot deformity (very high arch to feet)
  • Foot drop (inability to hold foot horizontal)
  • Loss of lower leg muscle, which leads to skinny calves
  • Numbness in the foot or leg
  • "Slapping" gait (feet hit the floor hard when walking)
  • Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet

Later, similar symptoms may appear in the arms and hands, which may include a claw-like hand deformity.

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