Hereditary Neuropathies

This article provides an overview of hereditary neuropathies, describes the different hereditary neuropathy subtypes and the clinical approach to differentiating between them, and summarizes their clinical management.

Increasingly available clinical genetic testing has broadened the clinical spectrum of hereditary neuropathy subtypes and demonstrated a significant overlap of phenotypes associated with a single gene. New subtypes such as SORD -related neuropathy and CANVAS (cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome) have emerged. The optimization of clinical management has improved gait and motor function in the adult and pediatric populations. Novel therapeutic approaches are entering clinical trials.

Hereditary neuropathies constitute a spectrum of peripheral nerve disorders with variable degrees of motor and sensory symptoms, patterns of involvement, and clinical courses.