Diagnosing and Treating Moyamoya Disease

Children or adults showing any of the symptoms of Moyamoya disease should have a neurological exam followed by imaging tests to allow doctors a view into the cause of the symptoms. Patients with suspected or diagnosed Moyamoya disease should be referred to a neurosurgeon experienced in treating it (see Doctors Who Treat Moyamoya Disease).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces detailed visualization of brain tissue and accurately detects acute and chronic strokes. MRI can also be used to rule out tumors or other causes of neurological symptoms.  MR perfusion study can be used to evaluate the difference of blood flow between the hemispheres of the brain.

Angiogram of Moyamoya diseaseComputed tomography angiograms (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiograms (MRA) are non-invasive vascular studies that create three-dimensional images of the blood vessels in the brain. They are routinely utilized to diagnose intracranial vascular diseases such as aneurysms, AVM’s, and Moyamoya disease.

Digital-subtracted cerebral angiogram (DSA) produces the most detailed images of the blood vessels of the brain and the characteristic “puff of smoke” appearance. It is the definitive test used to diagnose Moyamoya disease.

Some patients may have a single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan, which can show the areas of the brain that are being deprived of oxygen.

Once Moyamoya disease is diagnosed, an experienced neurosurgeon will evaluate the individual patient and make a treatment recommendation. Surgery is the only treatment that has been shown to prevent future strokes and neurological deterioration (see Surgery for Moyamoya Disease), but a doctor may recommend some immediate nonsurgical options, such as blood-thinning drugs or blood pressure medications to reduce the risk of stroke. Patients who have suffered neurological deficits from Moyamoya may need speech or physical therapy to restore functioning.

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Our Care Team

  • Chair and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
  • Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery
  • Vice Provost of Business Affairs and Integration
Phone: 212-746-4684
  • Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist
Phone: 718-780-3070
  • Professor of Radiology in Neurological Surgery
Phone: 212-746-4998
  • Vice Chair for Academic Affairs
  • Professor of Neurological Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Associate Residency Director
Phone: 212-746-2363
  • Victor and Tara Menezes Clinical Scholar in Neuroscience
  • Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery in Pediatrics
Phone: 212-746-2363
  • Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventional Neuroradiology
  • Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
  • Fellowship Director, Endovascular Neurosurgery
Phone: 212-746-5149
  • Associate Professor, Neurological Surgery
Phone: 718-670-1837
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery (Brooklyn and Manhattan)
Phone: 212-746-2821 (Manhattan); 718-780-3070 (Brooklyn)
  • Vice Chair, Neurological Surgery
  • Director, Pediatric Neurological Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2363

Reviewed by: Ning Lin, M.D.
Last reviewed/updated: March 2024

Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery 525 East 68 Street, Box 99 New York, NY 10065 Phone: 866-426-7787