My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What are mitochondrial myopathies?

Related Topics: Mitochondrial Myopathy
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)SUCCESS!
HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
1,216 Answers
9,353 Helpful Votes
29 Followers
A.

Mitochondrial myopathies are a group of neuromuscular diseases caused by damage to the mitochondria -- -small, energy-producing structures that serve as the cells' "power plants." Nerve cells in the brain and muscles require a great deal of energy, and thus appear to be particularly damaged when mitochondrial dysfunction occurs. Some of the more common mitochondrial myopathies include Kearns-Sayre syndrome, myoclonus epilepsy with ragged-red fibers, and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. The symptoms of mitochondrial myopathies include:

  • Muscle weakness or exercise intolerance.
  • Heart failure or rhythm disturbances.
  • Dementia.
  • Movement disorders.
  • Stroke-like episodes.
  • Deafness.
  • Blindness.
  • Droopy eyelids.
  • Limited mobility of the eyes.
  • Vomiting.
  • Seizures.

The prognosis for these disorders ranges in severity from progressive weakness to death. Most mitochondrial myopathies occur before the age of 20, and often begin with exercise intolerance or muscle weakness. During physical activity, muscles may become easily fatigued or weak. Muscle cramping is rare, but may occur. Nausea, headache, and breathlessness are also associated with these disorders.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

11 of 12 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Mitochondrial Disease
 
 
1 Answer