Moyamoya Disease

Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular condition in which the arteries supplying oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain gradually become narrowed or blocked. As blood flow decreases, a network of small collateral blood vessels develops to compensate for the reduced circulation. The condition can progress over time and may lead to serious complications, including brain haemorrhage, stroke, or transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), which can cause symptoms such as numbness, weakness, speech difficulties, and visual disturbances.

Symptoms

Moyamoya disease can cause stroke-like symptoms, including weakness on one side of the body, blurred vision, slurred speech, headaches, and, in some cases, seizures. Reduced blood flow to the brain may also result in cognitive difficulties, learning problems, headaches, seizures, and impaired mental function.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Moyamoya disease is diagnosed through a neurological assessment and specialised imaging studies.

A cerebral angiogram may be required to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure uses a contrast dye to visualise the blood vessels of the brain. It involves inserting a catheter into an artery in the groin and guiding it to the brain using X-ray imaging. The angiogram allows specialists to identify narrowed arteries and the characteristic network of collateral blood vessels associated with Moyamoya disease. Additional imaging studies may be performed to assess areas of the brain with reduced blood flow and oxygen supply.

Surgery is often recommended to reduce the risk of future strokes and prevent permanent neurological damage. The aim of surgery is to improve blood flow to oxygen-deprived areas of the brain by redirecting blood from healthy arteries, often using blood vessels from the scalp or surrounding tissues. Several surgical techniques may be used depending on the patient’s age, anatomy, and severity of disease.

Recovery

Following surgery, patients usually remain in hospital for several days. Recovery varies from person to person, and follow-up care may include rehabilitation therapy to help restore strength, mobility, speech, and other neurological functions. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor recovery and long-term outcomes.