Homeopathy, Lifestyle, Paralysis

Moyamoya Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Moyamoya disease symptoms causes and treatment

Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive brain disorder where the main carotid arteries in the base of your brain narrow over time leading to reduced blood supply to the brain and blockage. Eventually, it may cause internal bleeding, haemorrhage stroke, seizures, and transient ischemic stroke.

This disease has no cure, but the symptoms can be managed with proper medication to prevent blood clots, and surgical bypass if required.

What is Moyamoya Disease?

Two carotid arteries are located on both sides of your neck and they supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain from the heart.

Moyamoya Disease is a chronic cerebrovascular condition in which the carotid blood vessels become narrow and blocked over the years.

To compensate for the reduced blood flow to the brain, small weak blood vessels are formed which appear like “puffs of smoke” on a cerebral angiogram, also known as “moyamoya” in Japanese. These new blood vessels are fragile and eventually cannot supply enough blood to the brain, leading to moyamoya disease symptoms like seizures, stroke, internal bleeding, etc.

Most commonly, moyamoya disease affects children in East Asian countries like Japan, China, and Korea due to genetic factors and is rarely seen in other countries. However, it may also occur in adults. It significantly affects your cognitive function, leading to developmental issues or even disability.

What is Moyamoya Syndrome?

Moyamoya Syndrome is when the cause of changes in blood arteries in the brain are due to known genetic syndromes or pre-existing conditions. These include Sickle Cell disease, Sneddon’s syndrome, Down syndrome, Graves’ disease, Fibromuscular dysplasia, Atherosclerosis, and more.

Early Signs and Symptoms 

signs and symptoms of moyamoya disease

Children and adults with Moyamoya disease may experience the following symptoms, commonly triggered after exercise, strenuous activities, crying, coughing, or a fever:

  • Recurrent transient Ischemic attacks or mini-strokes
  • Haemorrhage stroke (bleeding in the brain)
  • Severe headaches
  • Seizures
  • Loss of speech
  • Paralysis, numbness, and weakness in the arm, leg, face, or half side of your entire body (Hemiparesis)
  • Blurry or weak vision
  • Difficulty in understanding, and remembering
  • Involuntary jerky movements
  • Cognitive delay
  • Problem in your senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision)
  • Aneurysm (bulging of a blood artery that could burst)
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Vomiting and nausea

Since it is a progressive disorder, moyamoya disease symptoms may worsen over time without proper medication and care.

What Causes Moyamoya Disease?

Causes of Moyamoya disease

The main cause of Moyamoya disease is unknown. It could be inherited, due to genetic reasons, or simply occur randomly.

Research has revealed that changes or mutations in the RNF213 gene could be one of the reasons moyamoya disease occurs. This gene is responsible for producing a protein that helps develop blood vessels.

Some children or middle-aged adults may get this condition due to other medical conditions such as:

  • Down syndrome
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Noonan Syndrome
  • Other syndromes caused by chromosome issues
  • Radiation therapy for pre-existing brain tumour

If the cause of the disease is linked to other genetic or acquired conditions, it is termed as Moyamoya Syndrome.

Diagnosis of Moyamoya Disease

Moyamoya is a chronic disease that can be fatal or cause serious brain damage if not treated on time. Hence, diagnosing the disease as early as possible and starting medication to control the symptoms is important. Your doctor may check your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and recommend some tests.

Moyamoya can be diagnosed through the following imaging tests:

  • Cerebral angiogram
  • Cerebral Arteriography
  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
  • Brain or Spine MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  • MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)
  • SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography)
  • MR Perfusion

Homeopathic Treatment for Moyamoya Disease

Homeopathic treatment for Moyamoya disease

Homeopathy takes a natural, holistic approach to treating Moyamoya disease as it aims to balance your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Depending on your symptoms, homeopathic medicines are effective in controlling seizures, strokes, and clotting of blood. Moreover, it also supports immune function, bone health, and overall vitality.

Homeopathic medicines are 100% safe and natural with no side effects, making them a perfect option for those who cannot tolerate regular medicines.

Along with this, you must be well-hydrated, have a healthy diet, and avoid hyperventilation caused by rigorous exercises, crying, exertive activities, deep inhalations due to eating spicy foods, etc. Remember, Moyamoya is a progressive disease, hence without treatment and medication, it may get worse with time, especially in children.

Is Moyamoya Common?

Moyamoya is a rare condition that affects nearly one person in one million people in the US, generally children at the average age of 7. However, adults may get it too in their 30s or 40s.

Moyamoya is more common in Asian countries like Japan, China, and Korea. Girls are twice as likely to get it than boys.

Bilateral moyamoya disease is more common where both sides of the brain are affected. Whereas, the disease on one side of the brain is called Unilateral Moyamoya disease and it is extremely rare.

Complications from Moyamoya Disease

Most complications from Moyamoya disease occur due to ischemic attacks or haemorrhagic strokes such as vision problems, paralysis, seizures, loss of speech, cognitive delays, involuntary jerks, etc.

Without medication and surgery, most patients may have multiple strokes and cognitive decline due to progressive blockage of blood vessels.

Conclusion

PMRI is dedicated to offering exceptional healthcare services to patients with years of expertise in Homeopathic medicinal treatment. A team of highly skilled and knowledgeable doctors and state-of-the-art facilities are available to provide personalized treatment to patients, especially those suffering from neurological disorders.

With more than 20 years of experience in the homeopathic line of treatment, the doctors at PMRI provide the best and most innovative medical care to patients.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, book an Online Consultation with us from anywhere across the world. Our expert Homeopathic Doctor will review your case and suggest the essential treatment course based on your unique symptoms.

Book an Online Consultation Now!

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About Dr. Entekhab Alam, MD (Hom.), Ph.D(s)

Dr. Entekhab Alam is a paralysis treatment specialist and a founder of PMRI Homeo Hall, West Bengal. He graduated from Burdwan University with a B.H.M.S. in 2006. Following that, he earned a Master's degree from B. B. Ambedkar Bihar University in Organon of Medicine.Dr. Alam has dedicated his life to raising public awareness about the benefits of homeopathy for people with disabilities. Through his extensive knowledge and experience, he treats thousands of patients online and offline at PMRI Homeo Hall.

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