In the context of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, which of the following is a common complication?

In the context of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, which of the following is a common complication?

• A. Spinal stenosis
• B. Contractures and deformities in the feet
• C. Paralysis of the upper limbs
• D. Severe cognitive impairment

Answer: (B)

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) is a hereditary neuropathy that primarily affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the lower limbs. One of the hallmark complications of CMT is the development of contractures and deformities in the feet. This occurs due to muscle imbalances as some muscles weaken more than others, leading to abnormal foot positions, such as high arches (pes cavus) or flat feet (pes planus). As the condition progresses, the resulting muscle imbalances can cause the tendons to pull unevenly, ultimately leading to fixed deformities in the feet. These deformities can significantly impair mobility and often require orthopedic interventions, such as corrective surgeries or the use of supportive devices like braces. The other options, while related to various medical conditions, do not typically arise as complications of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. Spinal stenosis is more associated with degenerative changes related to aging rather than a hereditary neuropathy. Paralysis of the upper limbs can occur in some neuromuscular disorders, but CMT primarily affects lower limb function. Severe cognitive impairment is not a characteristic of CMT, as the condition primarily affects sensory and motor functions without typically impacting cognitive abilities.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) is a hereditary neuropathy that primarily affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the lower limbs. One of the hallmark complications of CMT is the development of contractures and deformities in the feet. This occurs due to muscle imbalances as some muscles weaken more than others, leading to abnormal foot positions, such as high arches (pes cavus) or flat feet (pes planus).

As the condition progresses, the resulting muscle imbalances can cause the tendons to pull unevenly, ultimately leading to fixed deformities in the feet. These deformities can significantly impair mobility and often require orthopedic interventions, such as corrective surgeries or the use of supportive devices like braces.

The other options, while related to various medical conditions, do not typically arise as complications of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. Spinal stenosis is more associated with degenerative changes related to aging rather than a hereditary neuropathy. Paralysis of the upper limbs can occur in some neuromuscular disorders, but CMT primarily affects lower limb function. Severe cognitive impairment is not a characteristic of CMT, as the condition primarily affects sensory and motor functions without typically impacting cognitive abilities.