Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT) Program
Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is the name used to describe a group of inherited peripheral nerve disorders caused by a range of changes in the genes responsible for nerve function. Currently, there are more than 80 genes identified as potential causes of CMT.
CMT can affect both children and adults and is one of the most common hereditary neurologic hereditary disorders, affecting 1 in 2,500 people. Patients with CMT experience nerve damage leading to sensory loss and changes in sensation, balance, and muscle strength, especially in the legs and hands. Depending on the genetic variant and other factors, the severity of symptoms may range from mild to severe.
The Charcot Marie Tooth disease program at Yale was recognized by the CMT Association (CMTA) as one of forty CMTA Centers of Excellence worldwide. Multidisciplinary care of CMT patients is customized to patients’ needs and involves neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and physical and occupational therapists.
Our Approach
Diagnosing neuromuscular disorders, including CMT, is a complex process involving neurologic examination and diagnostic testing, which often includes laboratory testing and electrodiagnostic evaluation with nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography.
Genetic testing is used to identify the gene causing CMT.
In recent years, the rapid development of technology allowed a wide expansion of genetic testing for diagnosing hereditary disorders (including CMT), which now helps us to find the cause of CMT in more than 70% of patients. An accurate diagnosis helps us to avoid unnecessary testing and potentially harmful treatments. Advances in research and understanding of hereditary neurologic disorders have also led to new therapies for genetic diseases that may help develop effective treatments for CMT.
Our Team
The CMTA Center of Excellence at Yale is led by neurologist and neuromuscular specialist Sasha Zivkovic, MD, PhD, and orthopaedic surgeon Irvin Oh, MD, who collaborate with physical and occupational therapists. A monthly CMT clinic will be held at the North Haven Yale campus, and care will be coordinated with Yale neuromuscular specialists who evaluate patients in New Haven, Greenwich, Guilford, and New London.
Our Services
The goal is to enhance the care of adult patients with Charcot Marie Tooth disease, improve their quality of life, and promote clinical research in the field.
The program helps treat many patients with nonsurgical techniques, including bracing and physical and occupational therapies, and, if indicated, reconstructive foot surgery, which helps many people to stand, walk, and run without pain. During reconstructive surgery, the foot bones and muscles are repaired, so the feet do not turn inward. Correction of high arches and misshapen toes may restore flexibility and balance for natural foot movements without pain.
The program will also promote clinical and translational research of hereditary neuropathies to advance the care and quality of life of CMT patients and their families.
View a list of helpful resources for Charcot Marie Tooth disease.