Signs and Symptoms

This page addresses the following topics:

Breathing issues
Cardiac care
Other potential health issues
Special issues in children

Types of Mitochondrial Myopathies

This page contains information about the nine most common mitochondrial myopathies and encephalomyopathies. They are:

Overview

What are mitochondrial myopathies?

Systems, organs and muscles affected by the various mitochondrial myopathies
  1. Nervous system: Seizures, spasms, developmental delays, deafness, dementia, stroke (often before age 40), visual system defects, poor balance, problems with peripheral nerves
Description: 

MDA leads the search for treatments and therapies for mitochondrial myopathies. The Association also provides comprehensive supports and expert clinical care for those living with mitochondrial myopathies.

In this section, you’ll find up-to-date information about mitochondrial myopathies, as well as many helpful resources. This information has been compiled with input from researchers, physicians and people affected by the disease.

Research Briefs: FA, MG, MM, MMD1, gene therapy

Edison drugs target FA, mitochondrial diseases

Going to the Emergency Room: Tips for People with Neuromuscular Diseases

When a medical emergency strikes — and the patient is a person with a neuromuscular disease— it’s not just getting to the emergency room quickly that’s critical. It’s also critical to ensure the ER staff understands the patient’s special needs caused by muscle disease.

Researchers Exploring Disability Perceptions

Researchers at the Psychology of Disability Lab at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor are exploring the social identity of people with disabilities through a short, anonymous, Web-based questionnaire.

The lab's Disability Identity Project is being headed by principal investigator Adena Rottenstein, a doctoral candidate in psychology.

The study closes the week of Aug. 22, 2011.

Getting a Tracheostomy: My Story

I am writing this article about getting a tracheostomy for others with muscular dystrophies. Many patients are reluctant to have the procedure done because they fear they will lose the ability to talk or to swallow. Neither is true. And, the new trach tubes make it possible to easily take care of a tracheostomy and the tubes.

MDA Awards $13.5 Million in Research Grants

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded 44 grants totaling $13.5 million to support research efforts aimed at advancing understanding of disease processes and uncovering new strategies for treatments and cures of muscular dystrophy and the more than 40 other diseases in the Association’s program.

The new grants were reviewed by MDA’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Committees, and approved by MDA’s Board of Directors at its December meeting.

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MDA in Your Community