Mitochondrial Disease
What is mitochondrial disease?
- Mitochondrial disease is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell fails to produce enough energy for cell or organ function.
- The incidence is at least 1 in 4000 individuals in the US. This is similar to the incidence of cystic fibrosis of Caucasian births in the U.S.
- There are many forms of mitochondrial disease. Both adults and children may present with mitochondrial disease.
- Mitochondrial disease may be inherited in a number of different ways, or may develop as a result of a toxin or unknown cause.
- Mitochondrial disease presents very differently from individual to individual.
- There may be one individual in a family or many individuals affected over a number of generations.
What are the Symptoms of Mitochondrial Disease?
The severity of mitochondrial disease symptoms is different from person to person. The most common symptoms are:
- Poor Growth
- Loss of muscle coordination, muscle weakness
- Neurological problems, seizures
- Autism, autistic spectrum, autistic-like features
- Visual and/or hearing problems
- Developmental delays, learning disabilities
- Heart, liver or kidney disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders, severe constipation
- Diabetes
- Increased risk of infection
- Thyroid and/or adrenal dysfunction
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Neuropsychological changes characterized by confusion, disorientation and memory loss.
Information taken from Mitoaction.org