Overview
Moyamoya angiopathy (also called Moyamoya disease or Moyamoya syndrome) is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain. The name 'Moyamoya' comes from a Japanese word meaning 'puff of smoke,' which describes how the tiny, fragile blood vessels that form in the brain look on imaging scans. In this condition, the main arteries that supply blood to the brain slowly narrow and eventually become blocked. To try to compensate, the brain grows many small, abnormal blood vessels to keep blood flowing — but these vessels are fragile and do not work well. The disease can cause two main types of problems: strokes (when blood flow is blocked) and bleeding in the brain (when the fragile vessels burst). Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected and can include weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, headaches, and seizures. In children, strokes are more common, while adults are more likely to experience bleeding in the brain. Treatment focuses on improving blood flow to the brain through surgery. The most common surgeries create new pathways for blood to reach the brain. There is no medication that stops the disease from progressing, but surgery can significantly reduce the risk of future strokes and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for the best outcomes.
Key symptoms:
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the bodyDifficulty speaking or understanding speechStroke or mini-stroke (TIA)Severe or recurring headachesSeizuresVision problems or sudden vision lossDifficulty with memory or thinkingInvoluntary movements (especially in children)Bleeding in the brain (more common in adults)Dizziness or loss of balanceFainting or loss of consciousnessDevelopmental delays or learning difficulties in childrenFatigue and reduced ability to concentrate
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Moyamoya angiopathy.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Moyamoya angiopathy.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Moyamoya angiopathy.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my Moyamoya disease, and how quickly is it likely to progress?,Am I a candidate for bypass surgery, and which type would be best for me?,Should I have genetic testing, and should my family members be screened?,What activities should I avoid to reduce my risk of having a stroke?,What are the warning signs that I should go to the emergency room immediately?,What rehabilitation services do you recommend, and how do I access them?,How often do I need follow-up imaging, and what are you looking for?
Common questions about Moyamoya angiopathy
What is Moyamoya angiopathy?
Moyamoya angiopathy (also called Moyamoya disease or Moyamoya syndrome) is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain. The name 'Moyamoya' comes from a Japanese word meaning 'puff of smoke,' which describes how the tiny, fragile blood vessels that form in the brain look on imaging scans. In this condition, the main arteries that supply blood to the brain slowly narrow and eventually become blocked. To try to compensate, the brain grows many small, abnormal blood vessels to keep blood flowing — but these vessels are fragile and do not work well. The disease can cause two main
How is Moyamoya angiopathy inherited?
Moyamoya angiopathy follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.