What is a noted symptom of Kearns-Sayre Syndrome?

Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS) is a mitochondrial disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, particularly involving the nervous system and muscles. One of the defining features of KSS is the paralysis of eye muscles, known as ophthalmoplegia. This symptom is notable because it leads to difficulties with eye movement and can cause issues such as ptosis (drooping of the eyelids) and external ophthalmoplegia (inability to move the eyes).

The paralysis of eye muscles is a key characteristic that helps differentiate KSS from other disorders. This symptom often arises from the underlying mitochondrial dysfunction that affects the muscles and nerves, leading to the eye muscle fatigue and weakness observed in patients.

While excessive fatigue, muscle stiffness, and difficulty swallowing may also occur in various neuromuscular or mitochondrial disorders, they do not uniquely identify Kearns-Sayre Syndrome as clearly as the paralysis of eye muscles does. Hence, the paralysis of eye muscles is a specific and distinguishing symptom of KSS.