Patient EducationSep | 2 | 2019
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment
How do our doctors diagnose Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
Your doctor will typically diagnose Charcot-Marie-Tooth after doing a complete neurological exam and asking about your family history. Other tests that help make the diagnosis include:
- A blood test to look for genetic defects
- Nerve conduction studies to measure the strength and speed of electrical signals passing through your nerves
- Electromyography to measure how well your muscles respond to electrical stimulation
- Nerve biopsy, which involves taking a small piece of a nerve and examining it under a microscope
How do our doctors treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
There is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, but your doctor can design a treatment plan based on your child’s symptoms. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and prevent or delay disability caused by weakness and deformity.
- Occupational therapy to help with your daily activities. This includes using special devices like rubber grips, or changing from buttons and zippers to Velcro and snaps.
- Orthopedic devices to maintain everyday mobility and prevent injury. Common orthopedic devices include leg and ankle braces, high-top boots, and thumb splints.
- A nighttime breathing assistive device, in severe cases of CMT disease affect your breathing.
- Pain medicines, if needed.