What is Moyamoya?
Moyamoya disease is an increasing and chronic artery disease of the brain. The constriction of these blood vessels in people with moyamoya disease causes blockages, leading to ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and seizures.
The Japanese word “moyamoya” means “puff of smoke,” referring to the tangle of tiny vessels that evolved to compensate for the blockage. Moyamoya illness was first discovered in Japan and is now prevalent in people worldwide; it is more prevalent in Asia than in North America and Europe. The disease is most common in children, although it can also affect adults.
What are the common symptoms of Moyamoya?
- Recurring transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”)
- Epilepsy
- Stroke: Ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke
- Hemiparesis on the one side of the body
- Progressive difficulty in thinking and remembering due to recurring strokes and bleeding
How is Moyamoya disease diagnosed?
When asked to breathe deeply, the doctor may prescribe an EEG to detect a specific electrical pattern.
Other neuroimaging diagnostic techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, are also helpful. For example, a brain scan with angiography or ultrasound may indicate abnormalities with blood flow to the brain and aid doctors in identifying any hardened or blocked veins.
What are the moyamoya treatments available?
Medications may be prescribed to lower the risk of stroke. In addition, by opening restricted blood vessels or bypassing blocked arteries, several forms of surgery can restore blood flow to the brain (revascularization). Surgery in the form of STA-MCA bypass is the option available for the severe cases.
Dr. Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Vascular Neurosurgery specialists for treating Moyamoya disease in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your Moyamoya disease treatment.