Diseases

Mitochondrial Encephalopathy

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Mitochondrial encephalopathy, melas: melas is the acronym formitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes. MELASis A form of dementia. It is caused by mutations in the genetic material (dna) in themitochondria.

SYMPTOMS

Brain dysfunction (encephalopathy) with seizures and headaches
As well as muscle disease with a build-up of lactic acid in the blood (a condition called lactic acidosis)
Temporary local paralysis (stroke-like episodes) and
Abnormal thinking (dementia).

CAUSES

As a result of the disturbed function of their cells' mitochondria, patients with melas develop brain dysfunction (encephalopathy) with seizures and headaches, as well as muscle disease with a buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), temporary local paralysis (strokelike episodes), and abnormal thinking