Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association designated the Stanford Neuromuscular Program a  Center of Excellence—one of just 15 worldwide—in recognition of the expertise of our clinicians and the comprehensive care we provide to CMT patients.

What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is an inherited neuromuscular disease that causes nerves to malfunction. This condition affects the peripheral nerves responsible for voluntary muscle movement and also the nerves that convey sensations to the brain. Some of the muscles may become weak. The hands and feet may also lose sensation.

As the disease progresses, patients may:

• Lose their ability to walk
• Become unable to use their hands or fingers effectively
• Experience numbness or pain in the limbs

Learn more about our Neuromuscular Program and its Charcot-Marie-Tooth Center of Excellence.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Symptoms

Symptoms of CMT may arise at any age, though more typically in adolescence or early adulthood. Diagnosing this disease can be very difficult.

Learn more about Charcot-Marie-Tooth symptoms.

How is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Treated?

There is no cure for CMT, so our treatment approach focuses on managing your signs and symptoms and maintaining quality of life. We bring expert doctors, physical and occupational therapists, a genetic counselor, and social worker together in one location to design an individualized treatment plan.

Learn more about Charcot-Marie-Tooth treatment at Stanford.