Charcot-Marie-Tooth

Etiology

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT, or Hereditary Motor & Sensory Neuropathy, or Peroneal Muscular Atrophy, is the most common inherited neurological disorder, affecting approximately 150,000 Americans. CMT is found world-wide in all races and ethnic groups. It was discovered in 1886 by three physicians, Jean-Marie-Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth. The Cause of CMT are:

o        Genetic Defects

o        Toxic Drugs & alcohol can speed up the CMT

Pathologic changes in CMT: Defects in the insulating substance (demyelination) causes the slowing of the messages to and from the brain; and the fault in the core of nerve (Axon) causes the nerve response rate slow or absent.

Clinical Feature

The paralysis is usually unilateral but may be bilateral involvement. Most paralyses are a once in a lifetime event, however 7% of the patients may experience multiple attacks. The most common symptoms are:

o        Difficulty in walking with the character of hard to pick up the foot

o        High arched foot & repetitive ankle sprain due to progressive muscle weakness

o        Weak hands and arms

o        Cold hands & feet

o        Decreased sensory touch like hot & cold

o        Loss of normal reflexes

o        Pain & fatigue

 Diagnosis:

o        Clinical evaluation of muscle atrophy

o        Muscle test & sensory response

o        EMG test

o        DNA tests

Traditional Chinese Medicine differentiates Bell’s palsy into three types:

o        Spleen Deficiency

o        Kidney Deficiency

o        Blood & Qi stagnation

Differentiation

o        Multiple Sclerosis

                o        Acquired peripheral neuropathy caused by B12 deficiency, potassium Deficiency, heavy metal toxication, etc.

Treatment

Currently the treatments are more symptomatic. Though there are now cure has been found, we’ve noticed the helpful herbal formula Limping Leg Herbal Formula to increase the leg muscle strength.

Soak the raw ginger in the vinegar for 12 hours, then soak the feet in the ginger vinegar to help the ankle strength.

Taking the two teaspoons of yeast (for bread) with warm water 2-3 times a day may slow down the leg weakness.

Further questions: Phone: (206) 440-1634 Fax: (206) 374-8202

E-mail: DrMen@DrMenAcupuncture.com