Moyamoya Syndrome

Important
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.

Synonyms

Moya-moya Disease

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

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.

Resources

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

Moyamoya.com
PO Box 9602
Wichita, KS 67277
USA
Email: admin@moyamoya.com
Internet: http://www.moyamoya.com

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)519-3194
Fax: (240)632-9164
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Email: gardinfo@nih.gov
Internet: http://www.genome.gov/10000409

Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310)264-0826
Fax: (310)264-4766
Email: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 1/12/2009
Copyright 1989, 1996, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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