Hereditary neuropathy
- Article
- 2021-03-14
Hereditary neuropathies are a group of hereditary conditions that affect the peripheral nervous system. Hereditary neuropathies are divided into four broad subcategories: hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, hereditary sensory neuropathy, hereditary motor neuropathy and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy. The most common type is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, one of the hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies. Symptoms of hereditary neuropathies vary according to the type and may include sensory symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands; or motor symptoms such as weakness and loss of muscle mass, especially in the lower leg and foot muscles. Certain types of hereditary neuropathies can affect the autonomic nerves, resulting in decreased sweating, orthostatic hypotension, or insensitivity to pain. Some people may have foot deformities, such as high arches and hammer toes, thin calf muscles (that look like an inverted champagne glass), or scoliosis (curvature of the spine). The symptoms of hereditary neuropathies can occur at birth or in middle or late age. They can vary between different family members, with some family members being more severely affected than others. The hereditary neuropathies can be diagnosed by blood tests for genetic tests, nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsies. with some family members being more severely affected than others. The hereditary neuropathies can be diagnosed by blood tests for genetic tests, nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsies. with some family members being more severely affected than others. The hereditary neuropathies can be diagnosed by blood tests for genetic tests, nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsies.
Therapy
There are no standard treatments for hereditary neuropathies. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive. Medical treatment includes physiotherapy and painkillers if necessary. Orthopedic surgery may be required to correct severe foot or other skeletal anomalies. Bracing can also be used to improve mobility.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with hereditary neuropathies depends on the type of neuropathy. Some hereditary neuropathies have very mild symptoms and can go undiagnosed for many years. Other types are more serious and associated with more disabilities. Genetic counseling is important to understand more details about the disease and prognosis.
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