According to the Cleveland Clinic, Mitochondrial diseases are long-term, genetic, often inherited disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the body to function properly. One in 5,000 individuals has a genetic mitochondrial disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria don't work as well as they should due to another disease or condition. Many conditions can lead to secondary mitochondrial dysfunction including Alzheimer's disease, autism, muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig's disease, diabetes, cancer and more.

Symptoms of Mitochondrial Disease/Dysfunction:

Mitochondrial disorders can present with a wide range of symptoms, including poor growth, loss of muscle coordination, and general muscle weakness. Neurological issues such as seizures are also common. Children may exhibit symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder, along with vision or hearing loss, and developmental or learning delays. These varied symptoms reflect the body-wide impact of insufficient energy production at the cellular level.

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of hyperbarics as it relates to mitochondrial disease, including:

• Enhancement of stem cell mobilization and proliferation within the body

• Increasing the oxygen availability to tissues, particularly the mitochondria leading to improved energy production reduced oxidative stress and mediate mitochondrial dysfunction

• Improvement of sensory and cognitive awareness that leads to greater attention span and alertness