Moyamoya Disease Treatment in Los Angeles

Expert Neurosurgical Care to Restore Blood Flow and Prevent Stroke

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California Neurosurgical Specialists

What is Moyamoya Disease?

Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular condition in which the arteries at the base of the brain gradually narrow, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of stroke. To compensate, the brain develops fragile, tangled blood vessels (moyamoya vessels) that are prone to rupture or insufficient oxygen delivery.

Without treatment, Moyamoya disease can lead to recurrent ischemic strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or brain hemorrhages. Early diagnosis and expert surgical intervention are critical to preserving brain function and preventing long-term disability.

At California Neurosurgical Specialists, Dr. Arnau Benet, the best Moyamoya disease surgeon in Los Angeles, offers both minimally invasive and microsurgical revascularization techniques to restore proper blood flow.

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Signs and Symptoms of Moyamoya Disease

Moyamoya disease often presents with stroke-like symptoms that worsen over time. Common signs of Moyamoya disease include:
Recurrent mini-strokes (TIAs) or ischemic strokes
Severe headaches
Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
Difficulty speaking (aphasia) or understanding language
Seizures
Cognitive decline or memory problems

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, a comprehensive neurological evaluation is crucial for an early diagnosis and timely treatment.

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When to Consider Moyamoya Surgery

Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with:
Diagnosed Moyamoya disease with progressive narrowing of cerebral arteries
History of strokes or TIAs due to reduced blood flow
Increased risk of brain hemorrhage from fragile moyamoya vessels
Worsening neurological symptoms, such as cognitive decline or motor dysfunction

Before surgery, advanced imaging tests (MRI, CT angiography, cerebral angiogram) will need to be conducted to assess the severity of blood vessel narrowing and determine the most effective treatment strategy.

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What to Expect During Moyamoya Disease Treatment

Moyamoya treatment focuses on improving cerebral blood flow and reducing the risk of stroke. Dr. Benet tailors each procedure to the patient’s specific condition, ensuring the safest and most effective treatment. Surgical options include:
1.
Direct Revascularization (STA-MCA Bypass)
A superficial temporal artery (STA) from the scalp is directly connected to a middle cerebral artery (MCA) inside the brain, immediately increasing blood flow to affected areas.
2.
Indirect Revascularization (EDAS, EMS, or Multiple Burr Holes)
In cases where direct bypass isn’t feasible, alternative techniques promote the gradual growth of new blood vessels:
EDAS (Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis): A scalp artery is repositioned over the brain to encourage new vessel formation.
EMS (Encephalomyosynangiosis): A muscle from the temple is placed on the brain surface to stimulate blood vessel growth.
Multiple Burr Holes: Small openings in the skull help generate collateral circulation.
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Frequently asked Questions

FAQs About Moyamoya Disease

How is Moyamoya disease diagnosed?
a.

Advanced imaging, including MRI, CT angiography, and cerebral angiograms, helps confirm the diagnosis and assess blood flow.

Can Moyamoya disease be treated without surgery?
a.

While medications may help manage symptoms, only surgical revascularization can restore blood flow and prevent strokes.

What happens if Moyamoya disease is left untreated?
a.

Untreated Moyamoya can result in recurrent strokes, progressive cognitive impairment, or severe brain hemorrhages.

What is recovery like after Moyamoya surgery?
a.

Most patients experience gradual improvement over weeks to months, with significant stroke risk reduction and neurological function preservation.

How to Get the Best Moyamoya Disease Surgery in Los Angeles

Dr. Benet is a renowned cerebrovascular neurosurgeon specializing in complex Moyamoya disease treatments, offering state-of-the-art surgical techniques to optimize patient outcomes. If you’re in California, Las Vegas, Hawaii, or beyond, you can trust his expertise and leadership as the best Moyamoya surgeon in Los Angeles to aid in your stroke prevention and revascularization surgery.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, our precise treatment at our convenient Thousand Oaks facility can help prevent stroke and protect your long-term brain function.

Renowned Neurosurgeon
Dr. Arnau Benet

At California Neurosurgical Specialists, We Provide Compassionate Care.

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