What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Adult

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of nervous system diseases that cause gradual loss of strength and feeling in the arms and legs. The condition usually develops in late childhood or early adolescence. Over time, the arm and leg muscles may shrink (atrophy).
CMT affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves). There are several types of CMT, depending on the type of gene mutation you have. Symptoms of CMT can range from mild to severe.

CAUSES
This condition is usually passed down through families (inherited). CMT is caused by defects (mutations) in the genes that affect the peripheral nerves. Over time, these mutations cause the nerves to break down. The nerves lose

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