Definition:
Peroneal muscular atrophy is a hereditary neurological disorder that causes neuropathy, particularly to the peripheral nerves or the myelin sheath, resulting in muscle weakness and muscle bulk loss. The other names for peroneal muscular atrophy are Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.
Diagnosis:
A thorough review of the patient's medical history and physical examination may help the physician reach a diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, neurological examination, electromyography, nerve conduction studies and genetic testing may be done.
Treatment:
There is no known treatment for peroneal muscular atrophy. However, some treatments are prescribed to alleviate its symptoms, these include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthopedic devices. For serious cases, that is, when the afflicted suffers deformities, surgery is a treatment option.
Symptoms and Signs:
The early symptoms of peroneal muscular atrophy are weakness in the lower legs, ankles and feet, hammertoes, gait, frequent tripping or falling, and loss of sensation in the hands and feet, among others. Later symptoms include pain and numbness in the lower legs and feet, weakness in the arms and hands, and decreased sensitivity to heat and cold.
Causes:
Peroneal muscular atrophy is a hereditary genetic disorder. It is inherited through the following ways: x-linked inheritance, autosomal recessive, and autosomal dominant.
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