Synonyms|Editors|Languages|Comments|Home|Sponsors|Health Information
 
  Kearns-Sayre Syndrome 
  
Reviewed  12-27-2001  

Get Web page suited for printing
Email this to a friend or colleague
Studies with patients

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Kearns-Sayre Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Kearns-Sayre Syndrome?
Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a rare neuromuscular disorder with onset usually before the age of 20. It is characterized by progressive external ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the eye muscles) and mild skeletal muscle weakness. It may also be associated with other manifestations such as retinal pigmentation (abnormal accumulation of pigmented material on the membrane lining the eyes), cardiac conduction defects, short stature, hearing loss, increased cerebrospinal fluid protein, inability to coordinate voluntary movements (ataxia), impaired cognitive dysfunction, diabetes, and other endocrine disorders.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for KSS is generally symptomatic and supportive. Cardiac abnormalities may be treated with various cardiac drugs or a pacemaker.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with KSS varies depending on the severity of symptoms.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on neuromuscular disorders such as KSS. The goals of this research are to increase understanding of these disorders, and to find ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718-3208
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mdausa.org/
Tel: 520-529-2000 800-572-1717
Fax: 520-529-5300

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
8085 Saltsburg Road
Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
info@umdf.org
http://www.umdf.org
Tel: 412-793-8077
Fax: 412-793-6477


NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892




Return to top


Home | About NINDS | Disorders | Funding | News & Events | Find People | Jobs & Training | Accessibility

H H S Logo - link to U. S. Department of Health and Human Services     N I H logo - link to U. S. National Institutes of Health    N I N D S logo - link to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke    FirstGov Logo - link To FirstGov