About Arachnoid Cysts

Overview

Arachnoid cysts are sacs filled with fluid that are located between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane, which is one of the protective layers covering these organs. These cysts can be present at birth or develop later due to conditions affecting the brain. Arachnoid cysts are typically benign and may not cause symptoms. However, they can grow and compress nearby structures, leading to symptoms in some individuals.

Causes and Risk Factors

Arachnoid cysts can arise due to:

• Developmental abnormalities
• Head injuries or traumas

Non-modifiable risk factor for arachnoid cysts are factors that cannot be changed. These include:

• Young age
• Male sex
• History of head trauma

Modifiable risk factors for arachnoid cysts are factors that can be changed or influenced. These include:

• Previous brain surgery

Symptoms

The early symptoms of arachnoid cysts typically include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Vision and hearing problems
• Dizziness or difficulties with balance and walking

As arachnoid cysts progress or reach higher severity, additional symptoms may occur, such as:

• Build-up of fluid in the brain
• Developmental delays
• Involuntary head bobbing
• Problems with thinking, learning, memory or making decisions
• Back pain
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
• Abnormal curvature of the spine
• Muscle spasm and spasticity
• Urinary tract infections

Diagnosis

Doctors often find arachnoid cysts incidentally, meaning they discover them while investigating another health issue. To diagnose arachnoid cysts, doctors typically conduct a thorough clinical examination and review the person's medical history. They may also use specialized tests like CT scans, which is often sufficient to confirm the presence of an arachnoid cyst. Additionally, doctors may use MRI scans to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms.

Treatment Options

The goals of treating arachnoid cysts are to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the individual's quality of life. Medication is not typically used to treat arachnoid cysts directly. Instead, surgical interventions are often necessary for symptomatic cysts. Surgery aims to either remove the membranes of the cyst or create a drainage pathway for the cyst's fluid.

Lifestyle behavior changes are not a primary treatment for arachnoid cysts; however, maintaining overall health through regular exercise and a balanced diet can support recovery from surgery.

Progression or Complications

Arachnoid cysts can have a variable natural progression over time. In some cases, they may remain stable without causing any symptoms, while in others, they can grow slowly and lead to symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Difficulties with balance and walking

The progression of arachnoid cysts can be influenced by factors like the individual's overall health and the size and location of the cyst.

Common complications of arachnoid cysts can occur if the cyst ruptures. This can lead to the following:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Inflamed skin
• Localized cellulitis
• Infection
• Damage to surrounding tissues
• Scarring
• Bleeding