What can make CMT worse?
The progression of CMT can be affected by a few different factors. Poor footwear, repetitive activities, and injury to the affected areas of the body can all worsen the condition. Without proper treatment, including stretching, exercises, and physical therapy, CMT can have a detrimental affect.
Additionally, certain environmental factors and illnesses can also hinder recovery; excessive heat, exposure to extreme cold, dehydration, and viral diseases such as the flu can all affect CMT. Furthermore, complications such as bunions, hammer toes, and other physical deformities can lead to further problematic issues with CMT, so identifying and addressing these issues is crucial for preventing the further development of the disorder.
Can CMT cause bowel problems?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that can affect the peripheral nerves in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. While this disorder does not primarily affect the digestive system, it can cause some issues with the gastrointestinal tract, including bowel problems.
A few of the most common bowel symptoms among those suffering from CMT include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
These bowel problems, similar to other physiological symptoms associated with CMT, are caused by nerve damage throughout the body. This neuropathy affects the neurovegetative system, which controls the activity of the smooth muscles in your digestive tract.
In those living with CMT, an imbalance of the neurovegetative system can cause impaired or inhibited muscle activity in the bowel resulting in an array of digestive issues.
In extreme cases, CMT can cause chronic bowel movements that can inhibit daily activities and cause poor nutrition as a result of malabsorption. Additionally, CMT can lead to fecal incontinence and an inability to control bowel movements.
If you experience these or any other digestive issues as a result of CMT, it is important to speak with your doctor. A qualified healthcare provider can help you manage your CMT and its associated digestive problems.
What drugs should you avoid with Charcot Marie Tooth?
It is important to consult your doctor before taking any medications or supplements, as certain types of drugs can interact with the various treatments used to manage Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) or even worsen certain symptoms.
Drugs that should generally be avoided include certain types of antibiotics (like aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines); certain anticonvulsants (like phenytoin, ethosuximide, and valproic acid); and anticholinergics (ornoytropics, antidepressants, and antiarrhythmics that contain cholinergic-like compounds).
Other medications associated with CMT that should be avoided include diuretics, bronchodilators, and muscle relaxants, as well as certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications (like aspirin and ibuprofen).
In addition, patients should consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement. Finally, because alcohol is known to affect coordination and balance in people with CMT, it should be avoided as much as possible.
What is the diet for CMT patients?
The most important dietary elements for those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) focus on healthy eating practices, rather than on specific foods or supplements. Eating a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables can help provide the essential minerals and vitamins needed for optimal nerve health, as well as for overall health and well being.
When selecting foods to consume, it is important to minimize sugar and processed foods as much as possible, as these can trigger inflammation, fatigue, and other CMT symptoms. Increasing foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, or those that are high in anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric and ginger, can support CMT patients in the long-term management of their condition.
Magnesium supplements have also been found to help with muscle cramping, one of the major symptoms of CMT.
In addition to focusing on high-quality nutrition and supplements, it is important to ensure that the daily recommended calorie and water intake are met to ensure good nerve function and health. CMT patients are encouraged to consult with a nutritionist to discuss any dietary changes they may want to make.
Does stress make CMT worse?
The answer to this question is not known with absolutely certainty. However, a growing body of research points to the idea that stress may play a role in influencing the severity of CMT symptoms.
In general, nerve and muscle function can be affected by various lifestyle and environmental factors. One of these is stress. There is evidence that suggests that people with CMT may be more susceptible to developing medical problems due to the impact of stress.
That is, the body’s adaptive mechanisms which normally would help to reduce and counterbalance stress, may be insufficient in people with CMT.
Stress can cause the release of hormones such as cortisol which can lead to the disruption of normal nerve transmission, decrease muscle strength and affect nerve and joint function. In the case of CMT, these kinds of disruptions may cause further decline of nerve conduction velocity, leading to more severe symptoms.
In addition to the physical effects of CMT, psychological states like stress, panic and anxiety can also affect the way a person perceives and copes with their symptoms. This kind of altered perception can lead to further distress which, in turn, can worsen symptoms.
Therefore, while it is difficult to clearly determine whether or not stress makes CMT worse, the evidence suggests that it can have an influence on its severity. Additionally, looking after one’s mental health in order to cope with stress and manage any psychological problems associated with CMT may help to reduce the overall burden on one’s health and prevent or reduce symptom deterioration.
Does Charcot-Marie-Tooth get worse?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a neurological disorder that affects nerves in the arms and legs. Symptoms of CMT can range from mild to severe and can worsen over time. Although the exact cause of CMT is unknown, it is believed to be genetic in origin.
Progressive damage to the nerves can cause weakness and loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and lead to loss of muscle function and foot deformities. In the early stages, symptoms of CMT may include tingling or burning sensations in the hands and feet, weakness in the feet and lower legs, and muscle atrophy in the lower legs.
As the condition progresses, more muscles may be affected, leading to decreased ability to walk, problems with balance and coordination, and even difficulty with activities of daily living, such as buttoning a shirt or putting on shoes.
The weakening of the feet can also cause foot deformities such as hammertoes or high arches. Although there is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, there are treatments and therapies that can help to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.
Physical therapy, medications, braces, and lifestyle modifications can all help to reduce symptoms and improve one’s quality of life.
What is the most severe form of CMT?
The most severe form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is Type 1 (CMT1), which is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of sensation, primarily in the hands and feet.
CMT1 is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the peripheral nerves and is typically the most severe form of CMT in terms of the degree of disability it can cause. It can cause muscle wasting and disability so severe that it can lead to a need for a wheelchair.
Symptoms of CMT1 usually begin in childhood and can develop slowly over time, although they can also progress rapidly in some cases. Treatment options for CMT1 include physical therapy and orthopedic devices.
In some cases, treatments such as medications or surgical procedures can also be used to slow down progression of the disorder.
What can be mistaken for CMT?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is a genetic neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It is sometimes mistaken for other conditions or symptoms, such as motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Other conditions in the differential diagnosis include hereditary neuropathies, sciatica, and other muscular dystrophies. The most common symptoms of CMT include foot drop, problems walking, and deformities of the feet and hands.
A physician may use various tests and techniques to differentiate between CMT and other genetic neurological disorders. An electromyogram (EMG) may be used to measure the electrical activity in muscles and can help to diagnose nerve damage.
A nerve biopsy may be needed to determine if there is damage to the myelin sheath that covers the nerve. In addition, genetic testing can be used to test for the specific genetic mutations that can cause CMT.
When it is difficult to distinguish between CMT and other conditions, a physician may order imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to look for structural abnormalities or nerve damage.
Finally, a physical examination and detailed patient history may be used to help make a diagnosis.
No matter the diagnosis, there are various treatments available for CMT, including physical and occupational therapy, leg braces, and ankle-foot orthotics. In some cases, surgery may be an option to improve range of motion and reduce deformity.
A physician can recommend the best treatment option for each individual patient.
What does CMT pain feel like?
CMT pain can vary significantly from person to person, but generally, it can be described as a deep, gnawing, or burning sensation. It can sometimes be accompanied by a tingling or prickling sensation.
The intensity of the pain can vary greatly, from a mild ache to debilitating levels of pain that can make walking, standing, and normal daily tasks difficult. Symptoms can come and go, and they can feel even more intense with exercise due to the extra strain put on the muscles and nerves.
Pain can also be felt in multiple areas, either in one spot or spread out over several areas. The pain may be worse at night and can sometimes interfere with sleep. Depending on the severity, CMT pain can severely impact quality of life, making everyday activities difficult and even impossible to perform.
What triggers CMT?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is a group of inherited genetic disorders that are characterized by progressive damage to the peripheral nerves. It is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, and it is estimated to affect about 1 in 2,500 people.
The exact cause of CMT is not known, but it is thought to be related to changes in genes that are responsible for the structure and function of peripheral nerves. It is caused by mutations in several different genes, including PMP22, MPZ, GJB1 and other genes that are involved in the production of different proteins.
These mutations can be passed down from parents to children, making it an inherited condition.
How do you slow down CMT?
Slowing down CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease) is primarily done through therapies and lifestyle changes. Physical therapy is the first line of defense in combating CMT, while occupational therapy can address motor deficits and lack of coordination or balance.
Therapies such as orthoses and assistive devices may also help to address CMT-related gait and mobility challenges. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as intermittent rest, stretching and relaxation techniques, weight loss for overweight individuals, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition can also help to slow down CMT progression.
Other treatments, such as medications and nerve blocking, may be used in coordination with lifestyle and physical/occupational therapies to further slow CMT progression.
