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Difference between mitohondrial disease and fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia is a prevalent condition that affects many people in the United States. Approximately 3.7 million Americans have Fibromyalgia. That is 1 in every 73 people.
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There are significant
There are significant differences between mitochondrial diseases and fibromyalgia. First and foremost, fibromyalgia is not a disease but is a collection of symptoms. Fibromyalgia does not cause lasting damage to any organs or structures of the body.
Mitochondria are tiny energy-producing structures known as the cell's "power plants". Mitochondrial diseases are caused by damage to the mitochondria. Because nerves and muscles require a lot of energy, mitochondrial disease usually affects nerves and muscles. Symptoms of mitochondrial disease may include muscle weakness (may also occur in fibromyalgia), blindness, movement disorders, strokes, deafness, heart failure and exercise intolerance.
As can be seen, mitochondrial disease can be serious and life-threatening; fibromyalgia, although it can be a very real burden and symptoms can be severe, will not shorten the life span and does not permanently damage organs.
I hope this answered your question.
Jennifer Bunn, RN