What happens inside your body when you have a mitochondrial disease?

The parts of the body that tend to be most affected are those that need the most energy, such as the heart, brain, muscles and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can range from fatigue and exercise intolerance to hearing loss, seizures, strokes, heart failure, diabetes and kidney failure.

What is the prognosis for mitochondrial disease?

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.

Can you live a normal life with mitochondrial disease?

Outlook / Prognosis The outlook for people who have mitochondrial diseases depends on how many organ systems and tissues are affected and the severity of disease. Some affected children and adults live near normal lives. Others might experience drastic changes in their health over a very short period of time.

Can you recover from mitochondrial disease?

There are no cures for mitochondrial diseases, but treatment can help reduce symptoms or slow the decline in health. Treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the specific mitochondrial disease diagnosed and its severity.

What are the symptoms of mitochondrial genetic disorders?

Symptoms 1 Poor growth. 2 Loss of muscle coordination. 3 Muscle weakness. 4 Seizures. 5 Autism. 6 (more items)

Can a person with mitochondrial disease have more than one organ?

People with mitochondrial genetic disorders can present at any age with almost any affected body system. While some conditions may only affect a single organ, many involve multiple organ systems including the brain, muscles, heart, liver, nerves, eyes, ears and/or kidneys.

How are mitochondrial disorders related to X-linked inheritance?

Mitochondrial genetic disorders caused by mutations in nuclear DNA may follow an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked pattern of inheritance. In autosomal dominant conditions, one mutated copy of the responsible gene in each cell is enough to cause signs or symptoms of the condition.