Moyamoya disease is a cerebrovascular disorder that limits blood flow to the brain. While adults can also experience moyamoya disease, the condition is most common in kids. Children from ages 5 to 10 are most likely to develop symptoms.
Catching symptoms early is crucial for preventing more serious, potentially life-threatening effects. Here is what parents should know about moyamoya disease and its health effects.
When it comes to moyamoya disease and children, transient ischemic attack (also known as mini stroke) or stroke is often the first indication of the condition. Both transient ischemic attacks and strokes cause similar symptoms, including:
Transient ischemic attacks typically cause brief symptoms and do not result in lasting damage, unlike strokes, which are associated with long-term health issues. However, the risk of stroke is significant in the 48 hours following a transient ischemic attack, which means a child exhibiting these symptoms must receive emergency medical care immediately.
While most children with moyamoya disease experience stroke symptoms initially, other signs can include:
These symptoms result from decreased blood flow to the brain. In some cases, a child may experience the above symptoms after crying, coughing, or being physically active.
Diagnosis of moyamoya disease requires a consultation with a neurologist, who will first perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient’s symptoms and medical background. Next, the neurologist will recommend diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and cerebral angiograms to detect any vascular defects in the brain.
While the effects of moyamoya disease are often progressive, the condition can be successfully managed with the right treatment.