[2] The term "hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy" was used mostly historically to denote the more common forms Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT).

With the identification of a wide number of genetically and phenotypically distinct forms of CMT, the term HMSN is now used less frequently.

[citation needed] Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease was first described in 1886 by Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie, and independently Howard Henry Tooth.

[citation needed] Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy are relatively common and are often inherited with other neuromuscular conditions, and these comorbidities cause an accelerated progression of the disease.

[citation needed] Most forms of HMSN affect males earlier and more severely than females, but others show no predilection to either sex.

Onset of HMSN is most common in early childhood, with clinical effects occurring before the age of 10, but some symptoms are lifelong and progress slowly.