Symptoms reported vary between late versus early-onset cases of CMT4J. Adaptive equipment is typically needed prior to adulthood. Common signs and symptoms during this time include:
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Speech or eating challenges
- Respiratory compromise or muscle weakness leading to respiratory infections
- Rapidly progressive asymmetric (uneven) paralysis of arms and legs
- Numbness and tingling or pain in hands and feet
- Diminished or lack of deep tendon reflexesA tendon is a tough cord or band of dense white fibrosis connective tissue that unites a muscle with another part (for example a bone) and exerts a reflex action in which a muscle is made to contract by a blow upon its tendon. (areflexia)
- Inability to sense the orientation of body parts and balance issues (proprioception)
- Difficulties with balance and proprioception (inability to sense)
- Decreased response to touch below the knee