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Spoilers: Leanne is determined to cope alone in Corrie as Oliver is sent home

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Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) was delighted to learn that Oliver was free to go home in Coronation Street, but Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Nick (Ben Price) were concerned when they realised that she was determined to do everything by herself.

Dr Ward invited Leanne and Steve into her office during the previous episode, where she informed them that Oliver’s trouble focusing was a result of damage caused to the brain following his prolonged seizure.

Given that they don’t yet have a definitive diagnosis yet — although the doctor does think he might have mitochondrial disease — it’s hard to make predictions, but she reiterated that Oliver might not get back to where was developmentally.

Leanne refused to believe this, but Steve asked if Oliver’s brain damage is permanent, and Dr Ward confirmed that there’s a high chance it will be.

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.

Leanne was later delighted when Oliver said ‘Mummy’, but Steve and shared a worried look.

During tonight’s episode, the doctor revealed that Oliver was free to go home, but that he needs to be monitored, and if anything changes then he should be brought back in.

Once they all arrived home, Leanne was determined to do everything by herself — which worried Steve and Nick.

Will Leanne be able to accept help?

Coronation Street continues Monday 1 June at 7:30pm on ITV.

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