Spoilers: Leanne and Steve learn Oliver could have brain damage in Corrie

Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) have been worried about their son Oliver being diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in Coronation Street, and during tonight’s episode, they learn that it’s too early to know if the young boy has suffered brain damage.

During the latest episode, the doctors reduced Oliver’s sedation, and Leanne became concerned when her son never woke up straight away, but soon enough, he came round — much to the delight of she, Steve and Nick (Ben Price).

However, it soon became apparent that Oliver was having trouble focusing, and he didn’t seem all that interested in his favourite toy — the red car — and therefore Nick headed off to get the doctor.

During tonight’s episode, Leanne and Steve meet with Dr Ward (Zitta Sattar) who warns that it’s too soon to be sure but Oliver may have suffered brain damage.

Leanne is devastated, but she refuses to believe it, and becomes adamant that Oliver will make a full recovery.

Later, Leanne squeezes Oliver’s hand and is overjoyed when he says ‘Mummy’.

Meanwhile, Steve and Nick share a worried look.

What is mitochondrial disease?

Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body (except red blood cells).

Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support organ function. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole organ systems begin to fail.

The parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, muscles and lungs, requiring the greatest amounts of energy are the most affected.

Symptoms vary depending on the organ(s) affected but may include seizures, atypical cerebral palsy, autistic features, developmental problems, fainting and temperature instability.

According to The Lily Foundation, the prognosis depends upon the severity of the disease and other criteria. As more research funds are raised to find more effective treatments and ultimately a cure, some of the affected children and adults are living fairly normal lives with mitochondrial disease.

In other cases, children may not be able to see, hear, talk or walk. Affected children may not survive beyond their teenage years. Adult onset can result in drastic changes from an active lifestyle to a debilitating ilness is a short amount of time.

Treatment plans vary from patient to patient but involve therapies, diet changes and other means to try and slow the progress of the disease.

You can find out more information from the NHS here.

Will Leanne be able to come to terms with what’s happening?

Will Oliver be okay?

Coronation Street continues Wednesday 27 May at 7:30pm on ITV.

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