Moyamoya Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that affects the arteries in the brain. It is often spelled "Moyamoya", with the stress on the second syllable. In IPA transcription, this word is rendered as /mojamoja sɪndroʊm/. The first syllable contains the diphthong /oʊ/, followed by the explosive /dʒ/ sound in "j" that starts the second syllable. The final syllable uses the long /o/ vowel sound and the /m/ sound followed by the lightly pronounced /ə/ schwa sound, and ending with the stress on the last syllable /doʊm/.
Moyamoya Syndrome is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by the progressive narrowing or blockage of the large arteries at the base of the brain. This condition primarily affects the blood vessels in the area known as the basal ganglia. The term "moyamoya" is a Japanese word that means "puff of smoke," which refers to the appearance of the small blood vessels that develop to compensate for the blockage.
Individuals with Moyamoya Syndrome are at an increased risk of experiencing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes due to the compromised blood flow to the brain. Symptoms commonly include recurrent headaches, seizures, difficulty speaking, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, and visual disturbances. In children, Moyamoya Syndrome is often accompanied by neurodevelopmental delays or cognitive impairments.
The exact cause of Moyamoya Syndrome remains mostly unknown, although it can occur as a result of various underlying conditions such as sickle cell disease, neurofibromatosis, Down syndrome, and other genetic or autoimmune disorders. Some cases, however, are considered idiopathic, meaning they have no known cause.
Diagnosis typically involves neuroimaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize the abnormalities in the blood vessels. Treatment for Moyamoya Syndrome aims to restore blood flow to the affected areas through surgical procedures such as direct or indirect revascularization techniques. Additionally, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent complications associated with reduced blood flow.
Overall, Moyamoya Syndrome is a complex and potentially serious condition that requires medical intervention and ongoing management to prevent the progression of symptoms and minimize the risk of long-term complications.
The word "Moyamoya" comes from the Japanese language and has two meanings. The term "moyamoya" can be translated to "hazy" or "puff of smoke" in English. This term was originally used in Japan to describe the appearance of the abnormal network of tiny blood vessels that form in the brain in Moyamoya syndrome. The name "Moyamoya syndrome" was coined by Japanese neurologist Takeuchi and psychologist Suzuki in 1969 to describe a specific condition characterized by the blockage or narrowing of the internal carotid arteries.