Home
ConditionsDejerine-Sottas Syndrome
Dejerine-Sottas Syndrome
Dejerine-Sottas syndrome is a progressive disease affecting the peripheral nerves. Dejerine-Sottas syndrome is characterised by a gradual weakening of muscles in the limbs, particularly the distal extremities such as the fingers, hands, toes and feet. Dejerine-Sottas syndrome is a more severe form of Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT). Dejerine-Sottas typically commences in childhood or adolescence.
- What is Dejerine-Sottas syndrome?
- Effects of Dejerine-Sottas syndrome
- Physiotherapy treatment for Dejerine-Sottas syndrome
- Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for Dejerine-Sottas Syndrome
What is Dejerine-Sottas syndrome?
Dejerine-Sottas syndrome is a disease that causes damage to the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves exist outside the brain and spinal cord and transmit impulses to muscles causing them to contract, resulting in movement. Dejerine-Sottas syndrome is a more severe form of Charcot Marie Tooth disease. Dejerine-Sottas syndrome progresses much faster than Charcot Marie Tooth disease and symptoms usually develop in early infancy.
In Dejerine-Sottas syndrome the body attacks the protective coating that surrounds nerves, called the myelin sheath. When the myelin sheath is damaged the transmission of nerve impulses is slowed and sometimes completely inhibited. As a result you may experience muscle weakness and altered sensation.
Effects of Dejerine-Sottas Syndrome
The physical effects of Dejerine-Sottas syndrome often vary from person to person. If your Dejerine-Sottas syndrome causes any problems with muscle movement in the limbs, or balance and coordination then physiotherapy can help address these problems. Below is a list of common symptoms individuals with Dejerine-Sottas syndrome usually present with, which are treated here at Liverpool Neuro Physio:
- Low muscle tone resulting in muscle weakness and wasting of the muscles.
- Muscle spasm and cramps
- Poor coordination of movement due to low muscle tone. Weakness in the arms can affect the ability to perform fine motor skills. Additionally poor coordination can affect your ability to balance and walk, often resulting in a high incidence of falls
- Hand and foot deformities due to severe muscle contractures.
- Sideways curvature of the spine, called Scoliosis
- Pain
At Liverpool Neuro Physio we understand that Dejerine-Sottas syndrome can have a damaging impact on several areas of a persons life. Therefore our physiotherapists aim to provide you with an efficient programme of care to help manage the physical effects of your Dejerine-Sottas syndrome and to improve your quality of life and your functional independence for as long as possible.
At Liverpool Neuro Physio treatment will target the physical effects of Dejerine-Sottas syndrome such as muscle weakness, poor co-ordination, and difficulties balancing and walking. Your physiotherapist will use a variety of treatments such as massage, exercise and sometimes hydrotherapy (special exercises in warm, shallow water) to help you manage your symptoms and the progression of your Dejerine-Sottas syndrome.
Physiotherapy treatment for Dejerine-Sottas syndrome
Physiotherapy is one of the most important treatment methods for relieving the symptoms of Dejerine-Sottas syndrome and slowing the progression of the condition. At Liverpool Neuro Physio your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your needs and devise an individual treatment programme for you to reach your full potential. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a treatment plan aimed at helping you maintain as much movement and functional independence as possible.
Physiotherapy treatment for Dejerine-Sottas syndrome often focuses on improving your sitting and standing balance to assist in you walking as well as treating any changes in muscle tone by encouraging the active movement of your affected limbs. Once you have regained some active movement in your affected limbs your physiotherapist will teach you functional exercises to increase the strength of your muscles which will help increase the muscle control of your affected limb. Strengthening exercises help to improve muscle strength whilst stretches help you to maintain and improve your normal range of joint movement as well as reducing muscle stiffness. Your physiotherapist will also provide you with exercises to address your balance and coordination in sitting and walking in order to improve your overall mobility. The physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio will demonstrate and explain any exercises to be continued between treatment sessions to you and your family members / carers in order to ensure you have an active role in your treatment.
If you have severe difficulties walking and balancing your physiotherapist at Liverpool Neuro Physio can advise you on the use of walking aids to assist this. The use of a walking aid will reduce the incidence of falls and help increase your functional independence and safety.
Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for Dejerine-Sottas syndrome
Physiotherapy can successfully manage some of the problems encountered as a result of Dejerine-Sottas syndrome. Individuals with Dejerine-Sottas syndrome respond to physiotherapy treatment in different ways, however benefits of treatment may include:
- Improved balance and walking
- Decreased risk of falls
- Improved ability to transfer from lying to sitting and from sit to stand
- Maintained muscle strength
- Reduced muscle spasms, pain and stiffness
- Improved / maintained functional independence
- Improved confidence
Dejerine-Sottas syndrome is a progressive condition that often results in severe muscle weakness. Therefore the aim of physiotherapy treatment at Liverpool Neuro Physio is to provide you with the highest quality of treatment to help maintain your mobility where possible and to promote as much functional independence for as long as possible.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.