Neurogenic weakness with Ataxia and Retinitis Pigmentosa, also known as NARP, is a rare type of mitochondrial disease, mito for short. It affects mitochondria, the parts of our cells that make energy, and it commonly impacts the brain, nervous system and muscles. NARP often begins in the first few months or years of life, but it can also start in the teenage years or adulthood.

In this episode, we unpack what NARP can look like day to day. We explain symptoms such as muscle weakness and low muscle tone, balance and coordination changes, sensory nerve symptoms like numbness or burning pain, and vision changes that may worsen over time, including night or side-vision loss. We also explore why experiences can differ from person to person, even with the same genetic change, and point you towards support and planning resources linked in the episode description.

The information in this episode is based on Mito Foundation resources, including the NARP information page. For support, call the Mito Foundation Helpline on 1300 977 180 or visit mito.org.au. To stay connected, subscribe and follow MitoCast wherever you found this episode.

Leigh syndrome, sometimes called Leigh’s disease, is a rare type of mitochondrial disease, mito for short. It mainly affects the brain, nervous system and muscles, and it can also impact things like vision, hearing, digestion, the lungs and the heart. Leigh syndrome often starts in the first few months or years of life, but it can also begin later, including in the teenage years or adulthood.

In this episode, we talk through what Leigh syndrome can look like day to day. We explain common symptoms, and how Leigh syndrome differ from person to person, including depending on when symptoms begin.

The information in this episode is based on Mito Foundation resources, including the Leigh Syndrome information page. For support, call the Mito Foundation Helpline on 1300 977 180 or visit mito.org.au. To stay connected, subscribe and follow MitoCast wherever you found this episode.

Myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fibres, or MERRF, is a rare type of mitochondrial disease (mito). It most often affects the brain, nerves and muscles. Signs and symptoms usually begin in late adolescence through adulthood, though they can occur at any age.

In this episode, we talk through what MERRF can look like day to day. We explain common symptoms like sudden muscle jerks, seizures, changes in balance and coordination, and muscle weakness and fatigue, and why experiences can differ from person to person, even within the same family.

The information in this episode is based on Mito Foundation resources, including the MERRF information page. For support, call the Mito Foundation Helpline on 1300 977 180 or visit mito.org.au. To stay connected, subscribe and follow MitoCast wherever you found this episode.