Moyamoya Disease – Causes,Symptoms,Treatment Options
What is Moyamoya disease?
Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain. The name “moyamoya” means “puff of smoke” in Japanese and describes the look of the tangle of tiny vessels formed to compensate for the blockage.
The disease primarily affects children but it can also occur in adults. In children, the first symptom of Moyamoya disease is often stroke, or recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIA, commonly referred to as “mini-strokes”), frequently accompanied by muscular weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body. Adults may also experience these symptoms that arise from blocked arteries, but more often experience a hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding into the brain.
Other symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Disturbed consciousness
- Involuntary movements
- Vision problems
- Cognitive and/or sensory impairment.
Moyamoya disease may occur at any age, though symptoms most commonly occur between 5 and 10 years of age in children and between 30 and 50 years of age in adults.
- Moyamoya disease causes different symptoms in adults and children. In children, the first symptom is usually a stroke or recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA), especially in children. Adults also may experience these symptoms but also experience bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) from abnormal brain vessels. Spotting symptoms early is very important to prevent serious complications such as a stroke.
Symptoms:
Accompanying signs and symptoms of moyamoya disease related to reduced blood flow to the brain include:
- Headache
- Seizures
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, typically on one side of your body
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulties with speaking or understanding others (aphasia)
- Cognitive or developmental delays
- Involuntary movements
These symptoms can be triggered by exercise, crying, coughing, straining or a fever.
Treatment Option:
Medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke. Several types of surgery can restore blood flow (revascularization) to the brain by opening narrowed blood vessels or by bypassing blocked arteries. Children usually respond better to revascularization surgery than adults. Some individuals have no further strokes or related problems after surgery.
Without surgery, the majority of individuals with Moyamoya disease will experience mental decline and multiple strokes because of the progressive narrowing of arteries. Without treatment, Moyamoya disease can be fatal as the result of intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain).
When to see a doctor:
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke or TIA, even if they seem to fluctuate or disappear.
Consult our Best Neurosurgeon in Pune Dr Amit Dhakoji now. Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.
If you’re with someone you suspect is having a stroke, watch the person carefully while waiting for emergency assistance.
See your doctor if you have any of the signs or symptoms of moyamoya disease, as early detection and treatment can help prevent a stroke and serious complications.
For more information or to consult the Best Neurosurgeon in Pune contact us at – +91-9766656785
