CMT ?: When I was in the Marine corps... - Charcot-Marie-Too...

Charcot-Marie-Tooth UK

1,684 members667 posts

CMT ?

USMC-COMBATE_READY profile image

When I was in the Marine corps. apparently the water had extremely high levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and benzene . Not sure if this is related to my feet issues or not.

My family doc. has diagnosed me with Bylateral planter fibromasts ,Bilateral neralja Metertalsarga , and Pescavis. But my wife (Chiropractor, teaches Anatomy) and father a (Nurse practitioner) of many years belive its CMT?

Written by
USMC-COMBATE_READY profile image
USMC-COMBATE_READY
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
3 Replies
DawnD profile image
DawnD

Hi. The only definitive test for CMT is the genetic blood test. Ask your GP to get one done. :)

Amanita profile image
Amanita

Hi USMC,

CMT is usually inherited from a parent. Anyone with a parent who has the defective gene has a 50% chance of inheriting it, though occasionally cases can arise spontaneously (and can then be inherited) . In fact there are numerous genes which when faulty can cause different types of CMT (well over 80 I think - most of them rare). A blood test is for a laboratory to look for any of the commoner faulty genes which can be responsible for CMT, CMT 1A being the most common type. It can take several months to get a result.

A nerve conduction study can determine whether you have slower or weaker than normal nerve activity, and indicate the presence or absence of neuropathy. If CMT is suspected it can distinguish between 2 main categories - those where the coating of the nerves is faulty and slows down the signals, and those where the nerve fibre itself is faulty, causing the signals to be weaker. It produces useful information about nerve activity but it cannot actually determine whether you have CMT.

Did/do either of your parents have CMT? Common features of the condition include high insteps (pes cavus), foot drop (difficulty lifting the front part of your foot when stepping over obstacles, and consequently tripping), weak ankles, curled toes, poor balance, weak hands (especially finger/thumb grip), reduced sensation in feet and hands, and no, or weak, reflexes. CMT affects the peripheral nervous system - i.e. the nerves outwith your brain and spinal cord.

However, even with the same type of CMT and in the same family, symptoms and their severity can vary quite a lot.

I have no knowledge at all about the effect of chemicals on the nervous system, so cannot comment about that, but hope you have a better idea about what CMT is, now.

I do hope you will be able to get a diagnosis for your symptoms, and that you will get some help and support for dealing with them.

REGreen profile image
REGreen

Dear USMC-COMBATE-READY,

What your doctor has diagnosed are symptoms not a disease. These symptoms could be caused by CMT or possibly some other disease. You need to get a proper diagnosis and it seems your family may be right about it. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis, so push for a full assessment with a neurologist.

Best wishes,

RE Green

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

CMT

Hi, im new here! i was diagnosed with CMT 20 years ago. up until now i have coped fairly ok....
niamhwet profile image

Cmt

Hi I'm a 45 years old I have cmt type 2 I've had both feet fused the right one hasn't worked after...
Prady123 profile image

Possibly CMT

Hi all, Since few years I've been sick with a.o Crohn like disease and Undifferentiated Connective...

CMT ENQUIRY

I have been suffering from hot sweats for 18mths approx.My doctor says it is caused by CMT! I am 74...
lorrie74 profile image

Fatigue & CMT

Hi Im reaching out to hear if anyone has any good suggestions for fatigue - having been diagnosed...

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.