NINDS Hereditary Neuropathies Information Page
Synonym(s):
What are Hereditary
Neuropathies?
Hereditary neuropathies are a group of inherited disorders of the peripheral
nervous system. Within the group there are 4 subcategories of disorders,
including hereditary motor and sensory
neuropathy, hereditary sensory neuropathy, hereditary motor neuropathy, and
hereditary sensory and autonomic
neuropathy. Symptoms of these disorders vary and may include
numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, muscle weakness (especially in the
distal muscles), scoliosis, thin lower legs, foot deformities, insensitivity to
pain, and autonomic symptoms such as impaired sweating, postural hypotension,
and skin blotching. Nerve conduction studies, nerve biopsies,
and genetic testing help with diagnosis. These disorders may be
diagnosed as early as birth or as late as middle or late age. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder accounts for the majority of all
hereditary neuropathies.
Is there any treatment?
There is no standard course of treatment for hereditary neuropathies. Treatment
is symptomatic and supportive and may include orthopedic surgery and bracing to
improve mobility, and measures to protect against stress fractures-particularly
in the feet and legs. Genetic counseling is available.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with hereditary neuropathies depends upon the
type of neuropathy. Some types progress slower than others.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on neuromuscular disorders, such as hereditary
neuropathies, aimed at learning more about these disorders and finding ways to
prevent and treat them.
Select this link to view a
list of all studies currently seeking patients.
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
ACPA@pacbell.net
http://www.theacpa.org
Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231
Fax: 916-632-3208
National Chronic Pain Outreach Association (NCPOA)
ncpoa@cfw.com
http://www.chronicpain.org
Tel: 540-862-9437
Fax: 540-862-9485
Neuropathy Association
Suite 942
info@neuropathy.org
http://www.neuropathy.org
Tel: 212-692-0662 800-247-6968
Fax: 212-692-0668
Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718-3208
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mdausa.org/
Tel: 520-529-2000 800-572-1717
Fax: 520-529-5300
Related NINDS
Publications and Information
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Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Disorder Information Page
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder information page
compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS).
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Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Disease Fact Sheet
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease fact sheet developed by
the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
NINDS health-related
material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily
represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the
treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through
consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with
that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared
information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the
NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health