Hi,
I have a long-lasting health problem that was believed to be a mitochondrial disease for two years. Now, after seeing a mitochondrial expert, it was not confirmed. But I have learned quite a lot about testings and where to go for consult. Please feel free to write to Kot1972.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this. I see what we find out next month.
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.
Without the ability to examine and obtain a history and review your imaging, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
It sounds like you have a variety of symptoms, and that you have had extensive testing with non-specific findings (findings that do not point to a specific diagnosis but are abnormal such as the spots on the MRI of the brain). Whether or not a mitochondrial disorder or some other neurologic disorder is present depends on large part on the physical examination; mitochondrial disorders, depending on which one, can lead to problems in the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.
Mitochondrial disorders can also affect multiple organ systems including the heart, as can other disorders of muscle (generically termed myopathies, of which there are many, some genetic, some metabolic). Myopathies would not lead to abnormalities in the brain or spine, but some disorders can lead to both problems in the brain, spine, and muscles all at once. Symptoms of mitochondrial disorders are highly variable but do include neuropsychiatric symptoms such as memory problems, depression, and others, muscle weakness, fasting intolerance, problems with anesthesia, and others.
Sometimes, there are screening tests that can be done for mitochondrial disorders (such as serum lactate) but in other cases, more extensive blood tests and muscle biopsies are needed. The same is true for the myopathies. Whether or not this is indicated again depends on your symptoms, history, and examination.
Continued followup with your neurologists is recommended.
Thank you for using the forum I hope you find this information useful good luck.