A perplexing situation has left doctors puzzled as twins were both diagnosed with an extremely rare condition, but eight years apart. Wendy Watkins and her husband Chris Watkins, from Cottingham, East Yorkshire, shared that their twins, Riley and Noah, 13, were born healthy in March 2012. However, it wasn’t until five years later that Riley started showing stroke-like symptoms, including slurred speech and facial drooping. Riley was later diagnosed with a brain tumor and moyamoya disease, a one-in-a-million condition. Surprisingly, in January this year, Noah began displaying identical symptoms, leading to the same diagnosis.
Wendy expressed astonishment at the situation, highlighting the lack of awareness among medical professionals about moyamoya disease. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines moyamoya disease as a rare disorder that affects blood vessels in the brain, often leading to strokes or mini-strokes in children.
The journey for the twins started in April 2017 when Riley first showed symptoms while in the bath. After multiple episodes and tests, Riley was diagnosed with moyamoya disease and a benign brain tumor. Subsequently, Noah was also diagnosed with the same conditions, causing immense concern for the family.
Both twins underwent surgeries, with Riley receiving support from The Sick Children’s Trust charity during his treatments. The family has been actively involved in raising awareness about moyamoya disease and supporting others facing similar challenges. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the twins’ condition, they continue to receive regular check-ups and maintain a positive outlook on their health.
Wendy and Chris remain hopeful for more insights into moyamoya disease in the future, while focusing on supporting their sons and advocating for increased awareness and support for affected families.
