Treatment of Manifestations
Reviews of treatment approaches to CMT [Carter et al 2008, Young et al 2008, Reilly & Shy 2009, Corrado et al 2016] as well as reviews of the diagnosis, natural history, and management of CMT [Pareyson & Marchesi 2009a, Pareyson & Marchesi 2009b, Cornett et al 2017, Sivera Mascaró et al 2024] are available. Guidelines for the management of the pediatric population with CMT have been published [Yiu et al 2022].
Treatment is symptomatic. Affected individuals are often evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical and occupational therapists [Grandis & Shy 2005, McCorquodale et al 2016].
Quality of life and defining disability have been measured and compared among various groups of individuals with CMT [Burns et al 2010, Ramchandren et al 2015]. Persistent weakness of the hands and/or feet has important career and employment implications; anticipatory counseling is appropriate.
Special shoes, including those with good ankle support, may be needed. Affected individuals often require ankle/foot orthoses (AFOs) to correct foot drop and aid walking. Night splints have not improved ankle range of motion [Refshauge et al 2006, Kenis-Coskun & Matthews 2016].
Some individuals require forearm crutches or canes for gait stability; fewer than 5% of individuals need wheelchairs.
Daily heel cord stretching exercises to prevent Achilles tendon shortening are desirable, as well as gripping exercises for hand weakness [Vinci et al 2005b].
Exercise is encouraged within the individual's capability and many individuals remain physically active [Sman et al 2015].
Orthopedic surgery may be required to correct severe pes cavus deformity [Guyton 2006, Casasnovas et al 2008, Ward et al 2008]. Clinical assessment and management approaches to foot deformities that may be associated with CMT are reviewed in Laurá et al [2024]. Management regarding surgery referral and intervention ideally involves multidisciplinary input (i.e., neurology, physical therapy, and orthopedics). Surgery is sometimes required for hip dysplasia [Chan et al 2006].
The cause of any pain should be identified as accurately as possible [Padua et al 2006].
Modafinil has been used to treat fatigue [Carter et al 2006].
Those at increased risk for vocal cord paralysis (see Table 4) warrant consultation with specialists in otolaryngology at the time of diagnosis; evidence of vocal cord paralysis (hoarseness and/or stridor) at any time warrants periodic monitoring by specialists in otolaryngology to detect vocal cord hypomotility and quantify the degree of airway obstruction, a potentially lethal complication [Zambon et al 2017].
In a study of five individuals with CMT-associated sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, Farber et al [2024] found that cochlear implants were safe and reliable and improved both hearing and speech. Note: Four of the described individuals were from a family with the PMP22 pathogenic variant c.199G>C (p.Ala67Pro) [Kovach et al 1999].
Agents/Circumstances to Avoid
Obesity is to be avoided because it makes walking more difficult.
Medications that are toxic or potentially toxic to persons with CMT comprise a spectrum of risk ranging from definite high risk to negligible risk. See the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association website (pdf) for an up-to-date list.
Chemotherapy for cancer that includes vincristine may be especially damaging to peripheral nerves and severely worsen CMT [Graf et al 1996, Nishikawa et al 2008].