Mitochondrial Disease

What is mitochondrial disease?

Mitochondria are the special compartments within most body cells that are responsible for producing energy for life and organ function. If there’s a problem with how the mitochondria function, this can be a categorized as a mitochondrial disease. It’s a potentially serious, life-threatening problem. There are several mitochondrial diseases currently known.

What causes mitochondrial disease?

Mitochondria are maternally inherited from a mother to all her kids.

What are the symptoms of mitochondrial disease?

Symptoms of mitochondrial disease vary widely involving multiple systems and are potentially severe. They include vision and hearing problems, poor growth, muscle weakness and pain, heart problems, neurological problems, diabetes, movement disorders, trouble breathing and many more potential complications.

What are mitochondrial disease care options?

There is no cure for mitochondrial diseases. Treatments are focused on slowing the progression of symptoms and can include exercises, rest, vitamins and supplements, therapy and avoiding potential triggers of problems.


Reviewed by: Parul B Jayakar, MD

This page was last updated on: January 13, 2020 03:25 PM