Kieu,

I would not go to the doctor at John Hopkins.  I've been told that they really don't know much about moyamoya there.  To me, that would be a waste of my time, in my opinion.  I do know something about Neal Kassell though.  He treated me after my surgeries when I got home and had a small stroke.  He apparently is friends with Dr. Steinberg.  He does know about moyamoya, but I'm not sure I would call him a specialist.  I do not know his track record with moyamoya or how many surgeries he has performed and at what success rate.  I think he's a good starting point.  

As for your insurance.....do you have HMO?  I have a PPO which it's a good thing I did when I was diagnosed.  It allowed me to see anyone that I wanted to.  Maybe you should change to a PPO??  Not sure if that's possible.  

Did you ever send your MRI/MRA to Dr. Steinberg in California?  I know he would give you his reccommendations for free.  Hey.....free advice is GREAT!!!  

Oh....just a refresher....I am the person you talked to on the phone from Fredericksburg, VA.  

If I can do anything to help, please give me a call.


Michelle