Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis (MELAS)

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a condition that affects many of the body's systems, particularly the brain and nervous system and muscles. The signs and symptoms of the disorder mostly begin to present themselves in childhood following a period of normal development, but can begin at any age. Early symptoms may include muscle pain and weakness, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and seizures. Almost all affected individuals experience stroke-like incidents beginning before the age of 40. These episodes frequently involve temporary muscle weakness on one side of the body, altered consciousness, vision abnormalities, seizures, and severe headaches resembling migraines (Genetics Home Reference, 2015). Repeated stroke-like episodes can progressively damage the brain, leading to vision loss, problems with movement, and dementia. “Psychiatric symptoms in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome are rarely reported (Kannan et al, 2006).” …show more content…
Increased acidity in the blood can lead to the above mentioned symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing (Genetics Home Reference, 2015). Less commonly, people with MELAS may experience involuntary muscle spasms, impaired muscle coordination, hearing loss, heart and kidney problems, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. If mental deterioration occurs, it “usually progresses after repeated episodic attacks, and may lead to psychiatric abnormalities including schizophrenia and dementia (Kannan et al,