

Episode 58 - Mitochondrial Diseases and the Nervous System
17 snips Jul 7, 2023
Discover the world of mitochondrial diseases affecting the nervous system with a focus on various syndromes and disorders like MELAS, Kearns Sayre Syndrome, Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, and MERRF. Explore the genetic mutations, symptoms, diagnostic tools, and treatment options for these rare conditions.
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Common Themes in Mitochondrial Diseases
- Mitochondrial diseases primarily affect organs with high metabolic demands, like the brain, muscles, heart, retina, and cochlea.
- These diseases have a wide range of onsets and phenotypes, from infancy to adulthood, and mild to severe.
Variability in Mitochondrial Disease Presentation
- Mitochondrial disease presentation varies due to mitochondrial segregation, heteroplasmy, and the threshold effect.
- These factors influence the distribution and proportion of mutated mitochondrial DNA within cells and tissues.
Seeking Expert Opinion
- Seek expert opinions from quaternary care centers for suspected or confirmed mitochondrial disorders.
- These centers offer specialized treatments and access to clinical trials for rare diseases.