Leigh's Disease Definition
Leigh's disease: A rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive damage to the central nervous system. Leigh's disease is caused by a defect in the function of mitochondria within the cells of the body. Symptoms begin in infancy and include poor sucking ability, the loss of head control and motor skills, loss of appetite, vomiting, irritability, continuous crying, and seizures. As the disorder progresses, symptoms may also include generalized weakness, lack of muscle tone, and episodes of lactic acidosis, which can lead to impairment of respiratory and kidney function.
There are different forms of Leigh's disease, but all forms have a poor prognosis. Most cases are fatal during childhood, although some individuals have survived to adolescence.
Also known as Leigh's syndrome.
SOURCE: MedTerms.com.