When the myelin is damaged (CMT1) the nerve impulses are conducted more slowly than normal. If the axon itself is damaged (CMT2) the speed of nerve conduction is almost normal, but the strength of the signal is reduced. All forms of CMT are either demylinating or axonal in nature. CMT is a multi-gene disorder and so there are many different genes which cause the disorder.

CMT affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and therefore it results in both motor symptoms (weakness and muscle wasting) and sensory symptoms (numbness). CMT is progressive and usually slowly.

Family history would be a great help in diagnosing CMT although CMT has been misdiagnosed as other diseases. Symptoms vary greatly even within the same family.

It is very important that you have a neurologist who is an expert in CMT and would be the doctor to see to oversee an EMG/NCV test.

DNA blood testing might also be in order to either rule in CMT or rule it out. They now have DNA blood testing for many many types of CMT but if it would happen to be a type that they do not have testing for does not mean that you do not have it. DNA blood testing is very expensive especially if they have to do the whole panel of testing.