Moyamoya Brain Revascularization Bypass Surgery

I HAD A STROKE JANUARY 24th, 2021.

Moyamoya disease is a rare genetic disorder of blood vessels in the brain, specifically the internal carotid arteries and the arteries that branch from them.

These vessels, which provide oxygen-rich blood to the brain, narrow over time. Narrowing of these vessels reduces blood flow in the brain. In an attempt to compensate, new networks of small, fragile blood vessels form.  

I WAS SICK FOR MANY YEARS WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE NOT CONTROLLED WITH MEDICATION OR DIET.

These networks, visualized by a particular test called an angiogram, resemble puffs of smoke, which is how the condition got its name: "moyamoya" is an expression meaning "something hazy like a puff of smoke" in Japanese.

I LOST MY JOB AND HEALTH INSURANCE MAY 2020, IRONICALLY WHILE ON MEDICAL LEAVE FOR DEPRESSION .

     Without surgery I will experience mental decline and multiple strokes because of the progressive narrowing of my arteries. 

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MOYAMOYA AFTER AN ANGIOGRAM, A SERIES OF SCANS AND BLOOD TESTS.

Without treatment Moyamoya can be fatal from intracerebral hemorrhage , bleeding within the brain.

I HAD MANY SYMPTOMS FOR YEARS AND WAS MISDIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, SLEEP APNEA, VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES, INSOMNIA AND MANY OTHER ILLNESSES. 

I found a doctor with the experience to do the surgery. A hospitalwilling to extend financial aid. However that will not cover all costs like physicians fees like anesthesiologists and geneticists, specialized tests and after care. 

NOW I’M JUST WAITING FOR THE NEXT STROKE HOPING IT’S NOT THE ONE WHO LEAVES ME PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY DISABLED OUTRIGHT KILLS ME.

Direct Revascularization:

Direct revascularization (STA-MCA bypass) involves use of a branch of a scalp artery (STA) for direct anastomosis (connection) to a branch of the brain artery (MCA) on the outer surface of the brain. This procedure benefits patients by providing an immediate improvement in blood supply to the brain. It's also known as an extracranial to intracranial bypass graft (EC-IC bypass).