Moyamoya disease: How is it treated?

What can you tell me about treatment for moyamoya disease?

- Robert / Texas

Answer

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Moyamoya disease

There's no cure for moyamoya disease. But treatment may help manage the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blockages in the blood vessels at the base of the brain, which impair blood flow to the brain. In an effort to circumvent these blockages, the body forms abnormal blood vessels to reroute blood flow to your brain. The exact cause of these blockages isn't known.

Signs and symptoms of moyamoya disease include speech deficits, cognitive impairment, involuntary movements, vision problems, seizures and stroke. Treatment may include:

• Blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of blood clots
• Corticosteroid medications
• Surgery to bypass blocked arteries or open narrowed blood vessels in order to restore blood supply to the brain (revascularization)