Welcome to Moyamoya Warrior, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about moyamoya disease in the North West region. As the mother of a survivor, I share my personal story of the journey, fight, strength, and hope we shared together in battling this challenging condition. Through the tears, hopes, and outcomes.

#Her fight. My fight.💙🩵

Moyamoya disease is a rare blood vessel disorder in which the carotid artery in the skull becomes blocked or narrowed. The carotid artery is a major artery that brings blood to the brain. When it's blocked, blood flow to the brain is reduced. Tiny blood vessels then develop at the base of the brain in an attempt to supply the brain with blood.

Through Moyamoya Warrior, we aim to educate and inform the community about moyamoya disease, its symptoms, treatments, and support available. Join us in spreading awareness and shining a light on this rare condition.

Moyamoya symptoms

Moyamoya disease may occur at any age. But symptoms are most common in children between ages 5 and 10 and in adults between ages 30 and 50. Spotting symptoms early is very important to prevent complications such as a stroke.

Moyamoya disease causes different symptoms in adults and children. In children, the first symptom is usually a stroke or recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA). Adults may experience these symptoms, as well. But adults also may experience bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. The bleeding occurs because of the way blood vessels in the brain formed.

Symptoms of moyamoya disease related to reduced blood flow to the brain include:

• Headache.

• Seizures.

• Weakness, numbness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg. This is typically on one side of your body.

• Vision problems.

• Trouble speaking or understanding others, known as aphasia.

• Cognitive or developmental delays.

• Involuntary movements.

These symptoms can be triggered by exercise, crying, coughing, straining or a fever.

This rare disease is significantly more common in children with Down syndrome. Understanding symptoms and early detection could save a life.

“WHAT IS MOYAMOYA DISEASE?” many readers may be asking themselves. It is a rare blood vessel disease caused by blocked arteries in the brain. The name “moyamoya” is derived from a Japanese term meaning “puff of smoke,” because the tangle of vessels often resembles a small puff of smoke. Occurring in approximately 1 out of every 100,000 people, moyamoya disease can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. It is estimated that people with Down syndrome are 26 times more likely to develop the disease, compared with the typical population. It is important for parents of children with Down syndrome to know the warning signs and next steps if their child is diagnosed.