About Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome)
![ClusterMed ClusterMed](/images/clustermed.jpg)
Learn about the disease, illness and/or condition Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome) including: symptoms, causes, treatments, contraindications and conditions at ClusterMed.info.
Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome)
![Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome) Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome)](/images/diseasesillnesses.jpg)
Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome) |
---|
Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS Syndrome) InformationAre there other mitochondrial diseases?Yes, mutations (genetic changes) in the mitochondrial chromosome are responsible for a number of other disorders aside from MELAS such as:
How is MELAS diagnosed?The diagnosis of MELAS is usually suspected on clinical grounds. However, confirmation of the diagnosis usually requires a muscle or brain biopsy. The muscle biopsy shows characteristic ragged red fibers; a brain biopsy shows stroke-like changes. How is MELAS treated?There is no known treatment for the underlying disease, which is progressive and fatal. Patients are managed according to what areas of the body are affected at a particular time. antioxidants and vitamins have been used, but there have been no consistent successes reported. What are the symptoms of MELAS?As a result of the disturbed function of their cells' mitochondria, patients with MELAS develop
What causes MELAS?MELAS syndrome is caused by mutations in the genetic material (DNA) in the mitochondria. While most of our DNA is in the chromosomes in the cell nucleus, some of our DNA is in another important structure called the mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria). The mitochondria are located outside the nucleus in the cell's cytoplasm. Each mitochondrion has a chromosome made of DNA that is quite different from the better known chromosomes in the nucleus. The mitochondrial chromosome is much smaller; it is round (whereas the chromosomes in the nucleus are normally shaped like rods); there are many copies of the mitochondrial chromosome in every cell; and no matter whether we are male or female, we inherit all of our mitochondrial chromosome from our mother. Much of the DNA in our mitochondria is used to manufacture proteins involved in the key function of mitochondria -- to produce energy and power the cells in our body. What is MELAS?MELAS is a rare genetic disorder which results in stroke and dementia. MELAS is an abbreviation that stands for Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes. When do people with MELAS develop symptoms?MELAS can affect people at very different times in life, ranging from age 4 to age 40 or more. However, most patients with MELAS syndrome show symptoms before they are 20 years old. |
More Diseases
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Diseases & Illnesses Definitions Of The Day
- Microcephaly ‐ For more information, Is there any treatment for microcephaly? …
- Fibrocystic Breast Condition ‐ Are fibrocystic breasts associated with an increased risk of breast cancer? …
- Syndrome, Loeys-Dietz (Loeys-Dietz Syndrome) ‐ How is Loeys-Dietz syndrome diagnosed?, How is Loeys-Dietz syndrome treated? …
- Islet Cell Transplantation ‐ Can Anyone With Diabetes Get an Islet Cell Transplant?, Can Islet Cell Transplantation Be Done at any Hospital? …
- Erythema Migrans (Lyme Disease) ‐
- Sunscreen and Sun Protection (Sun Protection and Sunscreens) ‐ Are a good sunscreen and sunglasses enough?, Are all sunscreens equally effective against UV radiation? …
- Cancer of the Urinary Bladder (Bladder Cancer) ‐ Bladder cancer facts, Can bladder cancer be prevented?, How is bladder cancer diagnosed? …
- Dental Veneers ‐ Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers?, Dental Veneers Fix Introduction …
- Hypertensive Pulmonary Edema (Pulmonary Edema) ‐ How can pulmonary edema be prevented?, How is the condition diagnosed? …
- Contraceptive Sponge (Barrier Methods of Birth Control) ‐ Birth control facts, Cervical cap, Contraceptive sponge, Diaphragm …