10 Moyamoya Symptoms

By somerset

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Moyamoya Disease.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 May 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/moyamoya-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355591
• 2. Zach, Victor, et al. 'Headache Associated with Moyamoya Disease: a Case Story and Literature Review.' The Journal of Headache and Pain, vol. 11, no. 1, 2009, pp. 79–82
• 3. 'Moyamoya Disease Information Page.' National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Moyamoya-Disease-Information-Page
• 4. 'Epilepsy.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epilepsy
• 5. Noda, S et al. 'Ocular symptoms of moyamoya disease.' American journal of ophthalmology vol. 103,6 (1987)
• 6. 'Ministroke vs. Regular Stroke: What's the Difference?' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 May 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/expert-answers/mini-stroke/faq-20058390
• 7. 'Symptoms of Moyamoya Disease.' Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, 16 July 2018, weillcornellbrainandspine.org/condition/moyamoya-disease/symptoms-moyamoya-disease
• 8. McNamara, Lindsay. 'Moyamoya Disease.' Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurovascular Center, 5 Oct. 2015, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology/neurosurgery/centers/clinics/pediatric/neurovascular/conditions/moyamoya/disease.html

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Moyamoya disease, commonly referred to as moyamoya, is a vascular disorder in which blood flow to the brain is reduced due to a narrowed carotid artery. The disease is rare and predominantly affects children, though anyone may get it. It's more common in Asian countries, such as Japan, China and Korea, and genetic factors may be involved.

The disease is serious and may lead to bleeding in the brain, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, disability and stroke. Due to the disease's rarity, it's typically diagnosed after extensive testing by a qualified neurologist. Management may involve medication and surgery.¹‘Moyamoya Disease.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 May 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/moyamoya-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355591

Headache

Headaches are commonly seen in those diagnosed with moyamoya disease. These headaches may range in severity, with some studies showing they may sometimes feel similar to migraines and more like tension or cluster headaches at other times. Different people may have different kinds of headaches, although this symptom doesn't occur in everybody with the disease.

Headaches commonly appear sometime before the onset of the disease. One study found the median time between the start of headaches and the diagnosis of moyamoya disease was 9.5 months. Alongside headaches, people have also reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity.²Zach, Victor, et al. ‘Headache Associated with Moyamoya Disease: a Case Story and Literature Review.’ The Journal of Headache and Pain, vol. 11, no. 1, 2009, pp. 79–82