Living with Distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 7
A rare, slowly worsening genetic nerve condition that weakens the hands, then the legs, and can affect the voice and breathing.
Understanding Distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 7
The condition causes muscle shrinkage and weakness, starting in the hands (especially the muscle at the base of the thumb) and later the legs. It can also weaken one or both vocal cords, leading to a hoarse voice and breathing difficulty. Facial weakness may occur as well. Symptoms can begin anywhere from childhood to adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition separately, but the summary describes these features:
- Weakness and muscle shrinkage in the hands
- Later weakness in the legs
- Weak vocal cords
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble breathing
- Weak facial muscles
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in a person's genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.
Also known as: dhmn7; distal spinal muscular atrophy with vocal cord paralysis
Patient organizations
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
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