I've been on this site a few times since my son was diagnosed with MoyaMoya about a year ago and today was the first time that I saw the link to the video -- I wish I would have seen it earlier -- it was wonderful -- thank you!

I'm very happy to hear that Matthew is now a 16 year old living a normal life -- I hope my son will be as lucky.  He just celebrated his 10th birthday last week.  Can you tell me if Matthew had the few problems noted in the update before his surgeries or if the problems are new? My son never had a stroke and his surgery was in October.  (He had one side repaired.)  I'm just trying to figure out if my son's current condition will worsen with time or if he'll remain as he is right now.  His condition right now is actually very good.  He was an A student but is now a B student in school but he sometimes writes his letters backwards (e.g. writes b as d).  This is something he hasn't done since he was 5 years old.  He is also more clumsy than he should be at his age and he doesn't memorize things as quickly as he once did.  What can I expect?  THANKS!

To Pattil647-

Matthew was 5 years old when he was diagnosed.  Images of his brain prior to surgery showed multiple infarcts that were the result of his TIA's and these are the probable reasons for his deficiencies. Trying to link a specific infarct to a specific deficiency is not an exact science as I have been informed.  He was never tested for the deficiences prior to his surgery so I can't say for sure that they were pre-existing conditions.  He was tested about 4-5 months after his surgery and that's when they were discovered. 

I am not the right person to predict your son's future but I can tell you that Matthew's cognitive abilities have not  seemed to worsen.

Matthew is also a bit clumsy and he is not a skilled athlete but I credit that more to his father's genes.

Since you mentioned that  your son had surgery on one side only, I would make sure he has regular visits with his physician to make sure that his other side of his brain continues to receive an adequate blood supply. (He should  really be examined to make sure that BOTH sides of his brain are healthy)  If he starts to show symptoms of TIAs, these could cause infarcts and affect various functions not to mention the possibility of a major stroke.  Your doctor is the best source of information for your son as I am only passing along information that is specific to Matthew.

Best wishes for you and your son,

Matthew's Dad