What is Mitochondrial Disease?
From Mitoaction.org
Mitochondrial disease is a rare chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell fail to produce enough energy for cell or organ function.
The mitochondria produces most of our energy; so when it fails our cells and organs can fail which could lead to death.
​
It can take more than 10 years to get a diagnosis.
The incidence is about 1:4000 individuals in the US. There are many forms of mitochondrial disease (I have MELAS). Mitochondrial disease is inherited in a number of ways. Mitochondrial disease presents vary differently from individual to individual. There may be one individual in a family or many individuals affected over a number of generations.
THERE IS NO CURE!
There are only therapies and that can slow down the progression of the disorder.
50% of children living with mito will not live to see there teenage years. (I am lucky that this disease has not progressed throughout my body yet)
 |  |  |
|---|
Symptoms Of Mito
The hallmark symptoms of mitochondrial myopathy include muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, impaired hearing and vision, ataxia, seizures, learning disabilities, heart defects, diabetes, and poor growth—none of which are unique to mitochondrial disease.