Arachnoid cyst

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Arachnoid cyst
Arachnoid cyst (cropped).jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hearing loss, balance problems
Complications Hydrocephalus, brain damage
Onset Congenital or acquired
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection
Risks Male gender, head injury
Diagnosis MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis Brain tumor, subdural hematoma, epidermoid cyst
Prevention N/A
Treatment Observation, surgical intervention
Medication Anticonvulsants for seizures
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Intracranial and Spinal Arachnoid Cysts[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Intracranial and Spinal Arachnoid Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that occur in the cranial or spinal regions. These cysts are formed by arachnoid cells, which are part of the meninges, the layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. Intracranial arachnoid cysts are found in the brain, while spinal arachnoid cysts are located along the spine.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Arachnoid cysts are typically filled with cerebrospinal fluid and are usually benign. They can be congenital, meaning present at birth, or can develop later in life due to trauma, infection, or other causes.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the cyst:

Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts[edit | edit source]

  • Headaches.
  • Seizures.
  • Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain).
  • Neurological deficits, depending on the cyst's location.

Spinal Arachnoid Cysts[edit | edit source]

  • Symptoms of radiculopathy (pain and loss of function due to nerve root compression).
  • Back pain.
  • Muscle weakness and sensory issues in the limbs.
Brain MRI depicting an intracranial arachnoid cyst.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for detailed images of the brain or spinal cord.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans in certain cases.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment depends on the symptoms and the cyst's impact on surrounding tissues:

  • Observation and regular monitoring may be sufficient for asymptomatic or small cysts.
  • Surgical intervention, such as cyst fenestration or shunting, may be necessary for symptomatic or large cysts.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with arachnoid cysts varies. Many remain asymptomatic and do not require treatment, while others may experience relief from symptoms following surgical intervention.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Arachnoid cysts are relatively rare. Intracranial cysts are more common in males and are often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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