MERAS misdiagnosis and medical malpractice in Arizona

Due to its ability to impact many different systems within the body, a disease called mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes, or MELAS, is often misdiagnosed. Furthermore, the condition is hard to diagnose because it can present a variety of different symptoms in an individual. A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal wanted to know how many different tools were available to diagnose such a condition.

The study looked at articles with the keyword MELAS that were published in PubMed between 1984 and 2014. Researchers found that stroke-like episodes were common in those who had MELAS and there may be a high level of lactate in those suffering from the condition. It was determined in the study that the use of MRI equipment may make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis of those who present with symptoms such as muscle loss or fatigue in addition to stroke.

It was also determined that the use of genetic testing could make it easier to diagnose MELAS in a patient. For instance, previous research has determined that 80 percent of MERAS patients had a mutation of the m.3243A>G of the mitochondrial transfer RNA. Finally, a muscle biopsy may be done to provide further evidence that a patient has MELAS if the sample contains ragged red fibers.

If a patient’s condition is misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed, the doctor who makes that error could be held liable for medical negligence. An injured patient may find it advisable to obtain the assistance of a Peoria personal injury attorney in order to initiate legal action against the responsible party seeking compensation for the damages that have been sustained.