Presentation
We describe a young woman who presented with postpartum foot drop diagnosed as an iatrogenic L5 root lesion after uncomplicated epidural anesthesia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The most common presenting symptom is the sudden onset of painless focal sensory loss and muscle weakness in the distribution of a single nerve. [orpha.net]
Power, bulk, gait, and coordination were intact, but distal hyporeflexia was present. Tinel signs were present at the wrists and elbows. No nerves could be palpated. Hammertoes and high arches were present. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Entire Body System
- Weakness
Symptoms include muscle weakness and wasting as well as loss of sensation. These symptoms usually begin in the feet and slowly progress to include the lower legs, hands and forearms. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
These symptoms are a result of severe muscular weakness and atrophy. [en.wikipedia.org]
They may have greater atrophy and distal leg weakness with relatively less hand weakness. Nerve hypertrophy is absent but is variable in CMT1 as well. [emedicine.medscape.com]
The muscles in the hands and feet get weak because they no longer receive normal impulses from the nerves, and therefore are not being used adequately. Symptoms vary greatly. [aanem.org]
As the myelin is weak, just the slightest pressure, stretch or repetitive movement on the nerve causes sections of the myelin to be lost, leading to muscle weakness (pressure palsies). [nhs.uk]
- Disability
PRO questionnaires ask questions that help to measure disability in patients with inherited neuropathies. These questionnaires ask questions about what participants think disability is for themselves or others with inherited neuropathies. [clinicaltrials.gov]
Neuropathy can be more than uncomfortable—it can be disabling: people whose fingertips are numb may find it hard to button clothing and complete other everyday tasks. [books.google.com]
Other types are more severe and are associated with more disabilities. [ninds.nih.gov]
But even if this happens, symptoms are usually mild and unlikely to lead to a severe disability. Getting medical advice See your GP if you have any symptoms of HNPP. [nhs.uk]
Residual symptoms are usually relatively mild and do not result in severe disability. However, in some, severe and prolonged limb paralysis can occur, particularly after strenuous physical activities. [orpha.net]
- Falling
Neuropathy is often dangerous, as well: people who cannot feel their feet are more likely to stumble and fall, and they may not notice injuries that need medical attention. Dr. Janice F. [books.google.com]
There are many causes of acquired neuropathy, including: Trauma : This includes sudden injury from an event such as a fall, car accident or sports activity. [my.clevelandclinic.org]
That means some of the muscles in your feet may not receive your brain's signal to contract, so you're more likely to trip and fall. [mayoclinic.org]
Neurological symptoms include unsteady walking with frequent falls (ataxia), and peripheral neuropathy (characterized by sensory, motor, and reflex changes). [mcvitamins.com]
Clumsiness can lead to falls and falls can lead to injury. Loss of feeling and weakness can make it difficult to pick things up with one's fingers or negotiate uneven ground. [slu.edu]
- Surgical Procedure
As in surgical procedures, prolonged arrangement of the body and limbs in particular positions can result in nerve compression, which could make any underlying neuropathy worse. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Pathologist
PMID: 26515624 Assay Assay and technical information Invitae is a College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified clinical diagnostic laboratory performing full-gene sequencing and deletion [invitae.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Constipation
Some people are severely constipated. [merckmanuals.com]
Some people are severely constipated. NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. [msdmanuals.com]
If the nerves serving the organs are involved, diarrhea or constipation may result, as well as loss of bowel or bladder control. Sexual dysfunction and abnormally low blood pressure also can occur. [webmd.com]
Other autonomic symptoms include dryness of the eyes and mouth and gastrointestinal dysmotility, often manifested by alternating constipation and diarrhea or by early satiety from gastroparesis. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Musculoskeletal
- Foot Deformity
Here we report a 32-year-old man with a novel heterozygous missense variant in SOX10 gene, who presented with congenital deafness, Hirschsprung disease, iris heterochromia, foot deformity, and intermediate conduction velocity length-dependent sensorimotor [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Some people may have foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes, thin calf muscles (having the appearance of an inverted champagne glass) or scoliosis (curvature of the spine). [ninds.nih.gov]
Symptoms of a hereditary neuropathy may include: Muscle weakness (especially in the foot and leg) Foot deformities Muscle wasting (shrinking and weakness) in the legs Curved spine Loss of pain sensitivity A hereditary neuropathy is diagnosed with nerve [ohsu.edu]
Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, treatment for CMT includes occupational and physical therapy, specialized braces which stabilize the lower extremity but allow motion, and surgery directed at correcting foot deformity without fusing joints [cedars-sinai.edu]
CMT is characterised clinically by distal muscle wasting and weakness, reduced tendon reflexes, impaired distal sensation and variable foot deformity, and neurophysiologically by a motor and sensory neuropathy. [pn.bmj.com]
- Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Neurol Clin. 2015; 33(4):831-46. [invitae.com]
Peroneal Muscular Atrophy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; HMSN Type I) Genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of the peripheral nervous system characterised by progressive loss of muscle tissue and touch sensation across [slideshare.net]
Some doctors also use the old-fashioned name peroneal muscular atrophy, which refers to atrophy of the peroneal muscle in the lower leg. CMT can run in a family, even when there’s no obvious family history. [mda.org]
CMT1 and CMT2 (varieties of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, also called peroneal muscular atrophy) are the most common; they are usually autosomal dominant disorders but can be recessive or X-linked. [msdmanuals.com]
Neurologic
- Peripheral Neuropathy
[…] in selected forms of inherited peripheral neuropathies. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
There are no effective therapies for inherited peripheral neuropathies. [bcbst.com]
Other genetic peripheral neuropathies are associated with multisystem manifestations, including familial amyloid neuropathy and neuropathies associated with metabolic or other genetic syndromes. [journals.lww.com]
Disorders of peripheral nerves are frequently inherited. Common inherited peripheral neuropathies include Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), also known as Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, Dejerine-Sottas Disease and Friedreich’s Ataxia. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Nearly one in fifteen people—that's 20 million people in the United States—suffers from peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage. [books.google.com]
- Tingling
You may also feel pain, tingling, or burning in your arm and shoulder. [webmd.com]
Caused by such conditions as diabetes, cancer, vitamin deficiencies, and kidney disease as well as certain drugs and toxins, neuropathy brings numbness, tingling, and burning in the feet, legs, and fingertips. [books.google.com]
Numbness, tingling, and weakness occur in the affected area. Electromyography and genetic testing help establish the diagnosis. [merckmanuals.com]
Symptoms of the hereditary neuropathies vary according to the type and may include sensory symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands; or motor symptoms such as weakness and loss of muscle bulk, particularly in the lower leg and [ninds.nih.gov]
- Burning Sensation
Abstract Although the physiological basis of erythermalgia, an autosomal dominant painful neuropathy characterized by redness of the skin and intermittent burning sensation of extremities, is not known, two mutations of Na(v)1.7, a sodium channel that [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Loss of nerve sensation can lead to cutting or burning yourself without realizing it. In a few people, loss of nerve sensation causes hearing loss and sometimes deafness. As CMT develops, it can affect hand function. [ohsu.edu]
sensation in the feet or hands “slapping” when walking (feet hit the floor hard when walking) weakness of the hips, legs, or feet leg and hand cramps loss of balance, tripping, and falling difficulty grasping and holding objects and opening jars and [hnf-cure.org]
Changes in sensation — Some people feel severe pain, especially at night, and some are unable to feel pain, pressure, temperature, or touch. Loss of coordination. Loss of reflexes. Burning sensation. [my.clevelandclinic.org]
sensations of the feet, but pain is rare. [slideshare.net]
- Paresthesia
Burning paresthesias of the feet are not common but are often abolished by phenytoin or carbamazepine. No medical treatment is available to arrest or slow the progression. [slideshare.net]
Affected individuals may experience an unusual burning or prickling sensation (paresthesia) of arms and legs. [mcvitamins.com]
Paresthesias are typically less severe and rarely a presenting symptom, in marked contrast to acquired neuropathies. However, upon further questioning, paresthesias are mentioned. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Megabase; PMP22: Peripheral Myelin Protein 22; STR: Short Tandem Repeat; TLI: Terminal Latency Index Introduction Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP) is classically characterized by recurrent episodes of painless paralysis with paresthesia [omicsonline.org]
In addition to sensory loss, patients often complain of paresthesias and dysesthesias, often characterized by a sense of numbness, tingling, prickling, and pins-and-needles sensations. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
- Asthenia
Similar to amitriptyline but less sedating Imipramine 10-300 mg Similar to amitriptyline but less sedating Desipramine 10-300 mg Similar to amitriptyline but least sedating Duloxetine 60-120 mg Nausea, dry mouth, constipation Venlafaxine XR 37.5-225 mg Asthenia [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Treatment
The content of Advances in Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy Research and Treatment / 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. [books.google.com]
We now show reduced apoptosis after curcumin treatment of cells in tissue culture that express PMP22 mutants. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Depending on the particular type of neuropathy, the neurologist may provide treatment for neuropathic pain with a variety of drugs such as gabapentin, amitriptyline and analgesics. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
The supportive treatment is generally provided by a multidisciplinary team including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists; with treatment choices limited to physical therapy, the use of orthotics, surgical treatment [bcbst.com]
Prognosis
Genetic counseling is important to understand further details about the disease and prognosis. Prognosis The prognosis for individuals with hereditary neuropathies depends upon the type of neuropathy. [ninds.nih.gov]
Prognosis HNPP is not life threatening. Prognosis is good as half of patients recover fully after an episode and half with an incomplete recovery. Residual symptoms are usually relatively mild and do not result in severe disability. [orpha.net]
Prognosis for people with CMT The prognosis for people with hereditary neuropathy depends on the symptoms. Some types of hereditary neuropathy (CMT) progress (get worse) more slowly than other types. [ohsu.edu]
Parents should talk to their own or their children’s physician and medical team about their specific case, associated symptoms and overall prognosis. [rarediseases.org]
It is only by knowing the natural history that one understands the onset of clinical symptoms, the rate of progression, and the ultimate prognosis of these diseases. [clinicaltrials.gov]
Etiology
With a systematic approach to the evaluation of these disorders, approximately 75% of patients have a specific etiologic diagnosis. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
The etiology may be known (e.g., arsenical, diabetic, ischemic, or traumatic neuropathy) or unknown. encephalopathy and myelopathy are corresponding terms relating to involvement of the brain and spinal cord. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Etiology HNPP is due to a mutation in the PMP22 gene (17p12), encoding the peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22) that is predominantly expressed in the compact myelin of the peripheral nervous system. [orpha.net]
Several demyelinating etiologies can produce a “Dejerine-Sottas” phenotype with early onset, palpable nerves, and marked onion-bulb formation. [now.aapmr.org]
Epidemiology
Summary Epidemiology The actual prevalence is unknown due to under-diagnosis but estimates range between 1/50,000-1/20,000. In Finland, the prevalence is reported to be 1/6250. The disease affects males and females equally. [orpha.net]
Genetic epidemiology of Charcot-Marie-Tooth in the general population. Eur J Neurol 2011; 18: 39-48 51 Vallat JM, Mathis S, Funalot B. The various Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases. Curr Opin Neurol 2013; 26: 473-480 52 Kleopa KA, Abrams CK, Scherer SS. [thieme-connect.com]
Epidemiology including risk factors and primary prevention HMSN is the most common inherited neuromuscular disease with overall prevalence of approximately 1/2500 and incidence 15/100,000 in the general population. [now.aapmr.org]
Overall prevalence of CMT is usually reported as 1 in 2,500, although several more recent epidemiological studies reported prevalences of CMT ranging from 1 in 1,214 (in Norway) to 1 in 6,500 (in the United Kingdom). [invitae.com]
Pathophysiology
Bersano A, Lanfranconi S, Valcarenghi C, Bresolin N, Micieli G, Baron P (2012) Neurological features of Fabry disease: clinical, pathophysiological aspects and therapy. Acta Neurol Scand 126:77–97 PubMed CrossRef Google Scholar 37. [link.springer.com]
Back to Top Pathophysiology and Natural History Despite the diverse array of medical disorders that cause peripheral neuropathies, peripheral nerves exhibit only a few distinct pathologic reactions to an insult or disease: wallerian degeneration, axonal [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Importantly, CMT1A has one of the highest de novo mutation rates, similar to neurofibromatosis type 1, as discussed in Pathophysiology. Consequently, cases occur in which a family history is truly absent. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Prevention
We focus on all aspects of disease including diagnosis with genetic confirmation, genetic and family counseling, prevention and management of secondary symptoms and complications, access to clinical research studies and treatment trials and coordination [urmc.rochester.edu]
This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time. Find out more about the register. Page last reviewed: 05/09/2017 Next review due: 05/09/2020 [nhs.uk]
Leg braces prevent ankle sprains and improve walking ability. Surgery: For some people, surgery can help prevent or reverse foot and joint deformities. Pain management: Pain-killing drugs may be prescribed for people who have severe pain. [hnf-cure.org]
The prevention of HNPP manifestations can be accomplished by wearing protective padding (e.g., elbow or knee pads) to prevent trauma to nerves during activity. [bcbst.com]
Science Pagina 305 - Silva P (1994) Effects of saline, mannitol, and furosemide to prevent acute decreases in renal function induced by Pagina 465 - Bennett NT, Schultz GS (1993) Growth factors and wound healing: part II. [books.google.it]