About this topic
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of illnesses that affect the mitochondria in the cells. Mitochondria are small structures in the cells that give energy. With these illnesses, some of your mitochondria do not work properly and you may have signs like: ‚
- Nerve problems such as numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, or seizures
- Problems seeing
- Brain problems such as problems with learning and using knowledge, loss of thinking and mental action (dementia), or delay in physical and mental development
- Pain in the arms and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Problem with balance and coordination
- Loss of hearing
- Heart conduction defects
With this illness, you may have days where you are stronger and others where you feel weaker. Your care will be based on your signs. Some mitochondrial diseases can be treated with drugs and therapy. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Have a regular sleep pattern where you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Taking a short nap or resting during the day may help. But this can also make it hard to get a good nights sleep. If you take several naps during the day, you may want to cut back to see if you sleep better at night.
- Try doing some light exercise each day. This may help your energy level. You may want to avoid heavy activities that need a lot of energy. Try to find the right balance of rest and activity for you.
- Learn how to cope with stress. Try talking with trusted friends or family. Guided imagery, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing may help relieve your signs.
- Avoid being around very hot or very cold temperatures.
- Do not smoke or use any street drugs.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- You may need a physical therapist to teach you exercises that will help you improve movement and reduce pain.
- Your doctor may suggest you talk with a doctor to help you understand your condition and ease worry.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Improve how well your nerves work
- Stop muscle jerks
- Help you sleep
Will physical activity be limited?
- It is important to stay active. Talk to your doctor about the best kind of activities for you.
- Walking and moving from one place to another may get harder.
- You may have problems driving because of eyesight problems.
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about what you should be eating. Ask if there are foods or additives you need to avoid. Talk to your doctor about how many calories you need to take in each meal. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wounds that will not heal.
- Problems seeing or hearing
- More muscle weakness or problems moving
- More problems with sensations in your arms or legs
- Seizures
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help me balance rest and activity.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have seizures, muscle weakness, or problems moving.
Where can I learn more?
Genetics Home Reference ‚
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/neuropathy-ataxia-and-retinitis-pigmentosa ‚
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign ‚
http://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/app/uploads/2015/02/mitochondrial-myopathies.pdf ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/mitochondrial_myopathy/mitochondrial_myopathy.htm ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-10-09 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Adult
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚