National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
It is possible that the main title of the report Moyamoya Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Moyamoya syndrome is a progressive disorder that affects the blood vessels in the brain (cerebrovascular). It is characterized by the narrowing (stenosis) and/or closing (occlusion)inside the skull of the carotid artery, the major artery that delivers blood to the brain. At the same time, tiny blood vessels at the base of the brain open up in an apparent attempt to supply blood to the brain distal to the blockage; these tiny vessels are the "moyamoya" vessels, for which the disease was named. Inadequate blood supply leads to reduced oxygen to the brain, and it is this oxygen deprivation that causes the signs of Moyamoya -- which typically include stroke, which may result in paralysis of the face, arms or legs, loss of speech etc or temporary loss of neurologic function of body parts or speech (transient ischemic attacks). Other symptoms that may result include headaches, various vision problems, developmental delay, seizure disorders, and visual problems.
Approximately 10% of cases of Moyamoya in Asian countries are due to a genetic cause and are termed primary Moyamoya disease. Secondary Moyamoya syndrome refers to cases in which the artery changes occur as a consequence or result of another underlying disorder.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
PO Box 9602
Wichita, KS 67277
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
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