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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, but he or she will probably refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation.
What you can do
Because appointments can be brief, plan ahead and write lists of important information, including:
- Detailed descriptions of all your symptoms
- All your medications and dosages, including nonprescription drugs and supplements
- Questions for the doctor, such as what tests or treatments he or she may recommend
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will want a detailed description of your symptoms and will ask if anyone in your family has ever had similar symptoms.
During the physical exam, your doctor may check for:
- Signs of muscle weakness in your arms, legs, hands and feet
- Decreased muscle bulk in your legs, resulting in an "inverted champagne bottle appearance"
- Reduced reflexes
- Sensory loss in your feet and hands
- Foot deformities, such as high arches or hammertoes
- Other orthopedic problems, such as mild scoliosis or hip dysplasia
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/charcot_marie_tooth.htm?css=print. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- Facts about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related diseases. Muscular Dystrophy Association. http://www.mda.org/publications/PDFs/FA-CMT.pdf. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- Inherited neuropathies. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2907233&print=yes. Accessed May 20, 2010.
- Cruse RP. Hereditary primary motor sensory neuropathies, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Treatment and management of CMT. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association. http://www.charcot-marie-tooth.org/about_cmt/prn_treatment.php. Accessed May 20, 2010.
- Klein CJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 23, 2010.
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