Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Studying Clinical Characters and Epilepsy Outcomes After Frontal Disconnection in Patients with MOGHE
Published on: August 16, 2024
Neurocognitive effects of Moyamoya disease and concomitant epilepsy
Elizabeth R Wallace1, Lisa M Koehl2
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, 171 Funkhouser Drive, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
Objective:
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare degenerative cerebrovascular disorder that leads to recurrent strokes and cerebral hypoperfusion. Seizures are not uncommon in MMD especially following surgical treatment for the disease. Cognitive changes that are largely executive in nature have been documented following MMD and surgical treatment, although research is limited in adults.
Methods:
The present case report details the comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation of a patient with MMD and concomitant epilepsy.
Results:
Neurocognitive findings revealed a prominent dysexecutive pattern and atypically poor performance in areas such as visual and verbal memory. The patient reported significant affective symptoms and functional decline.
Conclusions:
This case offers insight into unique neurocognitive results that may present in adult MMD cases and underscores the importance of interpreting results in the context of neurological comorbidities in this rare disease.
Insights
Moyamoya disease (MMD) can cause significant cognitive decline, including executive dysfunction and memory deficits, particularly in adults. This case highlights the need to consider epilepsy and other neurological factors when assessing MMD-related cognitive changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Medicine
Background:
- Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder causing strokes and hypoperfusion.
- Seizures and cognitive changes, particularly executive dysfunction, are observed in MMD, especially post-surgery.
- Research on adult MMD neurocognition remains limited.
Observation:
- This case report presents a detailed neurocognitive evaluation of an adult MMD patient with epilepsy.
- The patient exhibited a distinct dysexecutive pattern.
- Atypically poor visual and verbal memory performance was noted.
Findings:
- The MMD patient demonstrated significant affective symptoms.
- Substantial functional decline was reported by the patient.
- Neurocognitive assessment revealed a prominent dysexecutive pattern and memory impairments.
Implications:
- This case provides valuable insights into unique neurocognitive profiles in adult MMD.
- It emphasizes the critical role of considering neurological comorbidities, such as epilepsy, in MMD.
- Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for managing adult MMD patients.
More Related Videos
12:09Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Published on: August 5, 2014
08:23A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...