Fact 11: Neuropathy May Be Hereditary
Genetics, the blueprint of life, plays a critical role in many health conditions, including neuropathy. There are certain forms of neuropathy known to be hereditary, passed down through generations. Understanding these genetic links provides critical insight into why neuropathy occurs and how it can be managed.
Hereditary neuropathies are a group of inherited disorders affecting peripheral nerves. The most common of these is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), named after the three doctors who first identified it. CMT affects both sensory and motor nerves and presents symptoms such as muscle weakness and atrophy, foot deformities, and difficulty walking.
Understanding the genetic mutations that cause hereditary neuropathies like CMT can lead to better diagnostic tools and potential treatments. It also highlights the importance of family health history in assessing an individual’s risk of neuropathy.
In many cases, genetic testing can help confirm a diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy. These tests analyze specific genes known to be associated with neuropathy. A positive result can provide a definitive diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. (11)
