Definition:
Characterized in 1984, MELAS is the abbreviation for Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic
acidosis, stroke-like episodes, which belongs to the family of mitochondrial cytopathies which include
MERRF, and Leber's Hereditary Optic Atrophy.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is based on numerous indicators one of which is finding out the cause of lactic acidosis as
MELAS sufferers tend to build-up lactic acid which causes the vomiting, fatigue, muscle weakness and
abdominal pain. Another diagnostic indicator are the stroke-like episodes which is the distinctive feature of
the disorder.
Treatment:
There is no known cure for MELAS which unfortunately is progressive and fatal; treatment is afforded to
patients depending on what part of the body is currently affected.
Symptoms and Signs:
These diseases are basically caused by defects in the mitochondrial genome of the cell which is inherited
only from the female parent although the disease can appear in both sexes.
Causes:
For the majority of cases, signs and symptoms appear in childhood after what appears to be normal
development. Symptoms include a weakening and pain in the muscles, recurring headaches, vomiting,
loss of appetite and seizures. The stroke-like events begin to appear right before the age of 40 and often
involve hemiparesis (muscle weakness only on one side of the body), seizures, migraine-like headaches,
vision defects. The “strokes” can eventually damage the brain leading to movement problems and even
dementia.
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