brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Other Primary Demyelinating Diseases
Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy causes Overview of Demyelinating Disorders leading to partial loss of vision. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is more common among men. Usually, symptoms begin between the ages of 15 and 35. This disorder is inherited through the mother, and the defective genes seem to be located in mitochondria (structures in cells that provide energy for the cell). Vision may become blurred in one eye or in both eyes at the same time. But if vision in one eye is affected, vision in the other eye begins to be lost within weeks or months. The sharpness of vision (acuity) and color vision deteriorate over time. Some people also have heart problems or muscle symptoms (such as involuntary muscle contractions, muscle weakness, or muscle spasms), which may resemble symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . Doctors can often diagnose Leber hereditary optic neuropathy based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. Testing can identify some of the abnormal genes responsible for the disorders. Echocardiography and Other Ultrasound Procedures is done to check for the heart problems. There is no established treatment for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. However, some evidence suggests that the medications idebenone and ubiquinone may improve sight in people with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Gene therapy is being studied. It involves injecting the normal gene into the eye. Limiting consumption of alcohol and not using tobacco products may help. Alcohol and tobacco may affect the mitochondria, which is where the defective gene that causes Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is located. 