She is only 16 and has been having them for over a year. I was diagnosed with mm in 2002. I have been on this site ever since. Sorry if I spelled it wrong. Just another side effect of the stroke. Should I push for her to get tested for mm? I have seen on this site that some family members are also diagnosed with mm. Am at a loss as what to do.

Hi Skay

Every one of us is so tuned into moyamoya and have a genuine fear that one of our loved ones will also be affected by this dreaded disease. I fully understand where your fear is coming from.

The chances of her having moyamoya as apposed to just suffering from migraines for some other reason, like stress, are quite slim. As I'm typing I'm trying to put myself in your shoes, but I really am struggling to decide how I would deal with it. Do you act rationally and think that it probably isn't moyamoya and try to carry on; or do you insist that she be checked?

I guess the factors to take into account are the willingness of your neurologist and the cost of the tests. If your neuro is willing and she's covered by insurance (or got lots of money), then I'd say go for it, there's no harm in having the tests done. But if your neuro says no and there's no money for tests, then I'd say............ I don't know what I'd say. It's really hard getting past this fear.

I'm not sure if my rambling, and thinking aloud, above is of any help, but good luck with whatever you decide.

Stay strong
Mark (Luca's Dad)

Mark,  As I read your reply to me it made sense that I am probably not thinking rationally but just have that fear that I have to learn to deal with. It is my fear and not hers. She does have stress but I guess that comes from being a teenager. Thanks for your help and will take your advise.
Take care, Sharon

Hi, SKAY!
my now 16 yo son was dx'd w/ MM after a stroke 13 yr ago.  4 months b4 that, he had 2 episodes of migraines.  His dad had occasional migraines so we didnt seek med attn - tho't it was just hereditary.  After the stroke, I learned of other signs that would have given the Ped. reason to test: 1) he woke up with the migraine 2) a month or so later, he complained of his eyes hurting and the sun being too bright - we live in the south and it was winter.  So, if you can't pinpoint possible triggers for the migraines and she's having some other abnormal neurological effects, I'd have her tested if the Dr. thinks an MRA is good enough to see MM.  If they have to do cerebral angio, I think I'd want some pretty good reasons.  But I would want the Dr to at least consider what may be causing her migraines and see if she can get some relief.  They are quite dibilitating. 
Best wishes to you both and please keep us posted!!
Sue