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ALL DEFINITIONS

Myoclonic Epilepsy With Ragged-Red Fibers (MERRF)

Definition

Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness, myoclonus (involuntary muscle jerks), seizures, and the presence of ragged-red fibers in muscle biopsies. MERRF is caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA and affects multiple systems in the body.