Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Center of Excellence

About the Center

The Department of Neurology’s CMT Center of Excellence represents one of few national programs dedicated to supporting patients with inherited neuropathies. As a contributing member of the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium (INC), we are committed to patient care and research.

Bringing together physicians, physical therapists, orthotists, and researchers, the Mass General CMT Center offers a comprehensive experience aimed at improving symptoms, providing educational resources, and advancing research into potential therapies. Our staff will provide complex specialized services focused on improving symptoms and increasing mobility, balance, and muscle strength.

Research is an important component of the Mass General CMT Center. Through collaboration with the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium, we aim to bring along investigators to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of inherited neuropathies. Patients at the CMT Center will have the opportunity to participate in the most current research endeavors.

Research

Physical therapy and orthotics in combination help improve efficiency, function, and safety with ambulation and other activities, as foot drop and leg weakness are major components of disability in patients with hereditary neuropathies. Our neuromuscular physical therapists focus on maximizing function with emphasis on balance training and exercise, not only to improve function and enhance independent ambulation, but also to help minimize pain and more chronic complications from neuropathy. In conjunction, bracing/orthotics can offer additional support to further normalize gait pattern and increase walking speed.