CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE

Objective: To discuss the similarities and differences in the clinical presentation of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, an inherited peripheral neuropathy, and acquired lumbar spinal stenosis. Clinical Features: Pa tients with lumbar spinal stenosis causing nerve root entrapment often have leg pain and weakness during such activities as walking or stand ing. Additional symptoms of poor balance, foot deformity and signs of cerebellar and sensory ataxia suggest a diagnosis of peripheral neurop athy rather than nerve root entrapment. Intervention: Electrodiagnosti c testing and nerve conduction studies reveal abnormal conduction velo cities in cases of peripheral neuropathy such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth D isease. Conclusion: Sciatica and leg weakness may be due to a variety of causes, including nerve root entrapment and peripheral neuropathy. A diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease should be considered in a c ase of progressive lower limb weakness associated with loss of balance and sensory ataxia. This diagnosis can be confirmed using nerve condu ction studies.