Campaign to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth in UK

It is estimated that around 23,000 people in the UK have Charcot-Marie-Tooth, which is named after the three scientists who discovered it.

This month’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of CMT among people who have the condition, but have not yet been diagnosed, as well as to make more medical professionals aware of it.

The main symptoms are uncontrollable pain, chronic fatigue and deformities in the hands, lower legs and feet, leading to balance problems and falls.

CMT UK’s chief operating officer Ka- ren Butcher can trace CMT back six generations in her family.

She says: “There are still too many medical professionals including GPs, physiotherapists, orthotists, surgeons — and even neurologists — that still don’t know what CMT is, therefore an integral part of this year’s campaign will be to educate them about the condition, so they can help make a diagnosis if needed.

“It is also important for us to reach those people who think they might have the condition, but haven’t been diagnosed yet.

“There could be many reasons for symptoms like these, but if you have any it would be a good idea to ask your GP about CMT — early diagnosis helps improve the lives of those with the condition and because there’s a 50% chance it can be passed on from a parent to a child, professional genetic counselling can also be given.”

Charcot-Marie-Tooth UK offers advice on how to manage the condition as well as support with benefits, jobs and family issues.

Find out more at www.cmt.org.uk or contact 0300 323 6316 or donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/CMT.