Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease primarily affects which part of the nervous system?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease primarily affects which part of the nervous system?

• A. Central nervous system
• B. Peripheral nerves
• C. Autonomic nervous system
• D. Brainstem

Answer: (B)

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary neuropathy that targets the peripheral nervous system—the motor and sensory nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This peripheral involvement explains the hallmark symptoms of distal weakness and atrophy (especially in the feet and lower legs), sensory changes, and foot deformities. The central nervous system, including the brain and brainstem, is not primarily affected in the usual presentation, and autonomic symptoms aren’t the defining feature. So the primary site of disease is the peripheral nerves.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary neuropathy that targets the peripheral nervous system—the motor and sensory nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This peripheral involvement explains the hallmark symptoms of distal weakness and atrophy (especially in the feet and lower legs), sensory changes, and foot deformities. The central nervous system, including the brain and brainstem, is not primarily affected in the usual presentation, and autonomic symptoms aren’t the defining feature. So the primary site of disease is the peripheral nerves.