Arachnoid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The arachnoid cyst is a fluid-filled sac that grows on the spine or brain. It is not a tumor and it is not cancerous. It is the most common type of brain cyst, and it affects people of all ages, but males are more likely to develop it. In most cases, arachnoid cysts do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment. However, some can grow large enough to compress surrounding structures, causing headaches, seizures, and nerve damage.
Causes of Arachnoid Cysts
In addition to primary and secondary arachnoid cysts, there are also secondary cysts. As a result of an abnormal development of the arachnoid membrane, one of the three layers covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord, primary arachnoid cysts occur at birth. Arachnoid membranes resemble spider webs, and they contain cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of primary arachnoid cysts is unknown, but it may be related to genetic factors or environmental factors during pregnancy.
These cysts form later in life as a result of conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord, such as head injuries, meningitis, tumors, or surgery. These conditions damage the arachnoid membrane, allowing CSF to collect.
Symptoms of Arachnoid Cysts
It depends on the size, location, and compression of nearby structures whether arachnoid cysts cause symptoms. Many arachnoid cysts do not cause any symptoms and are discovered incidentally during imaging tests. Some arachnoid cysts, however, can cause the following symptoms:
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Headache
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Nausea and vomiting
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Hydrocephalus (increased pressure inside the skull due to excess CSF)
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Seizures
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Problems with balance, vision, or hearing
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Developmental delays
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Cognitive impairment
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Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
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Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
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Back pain
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Muscle spasms or stiffness
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Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
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Urinary tract infection
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Paralysis of the legs
Symptoms of arachnoid cysts can vary from person to person, and they can change over time. Some arachnoid cysts remain stable, while others may grow or shrink. It is possible for arachnoid cysts to rupture, causing bleeding or infection in the brain or spinal cord, which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Arachnoid Cysts
In order to diagnose arachnoid cysts, doctors will perform a physical exam, collect a medical history, and order imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to assessing the size, location, and shape of the arachnoid cysts, doctors may also perform a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to determine the pressure and composition of the CSF.
Treatment of Arachnoid Cysts
There are several treatment options for arachnoid cysts, depending on their symptoms and potential complications. Most arachnoid cysts do not require any treatment and are monitored with imaging tests regularly. Arachnoid cysts can be treated if they cause symptoms, grow, or pose a risk of rupture or infection.
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In order to alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or seizures, doctors may prescribe medications; however, these medications cannot shrink or eliminate arachnoid cysts.
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Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment option for arachnoid cysts that cause symptoms or complications. There are different types of surgery for arachnoid cysts, such as:
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When an arachnoid cyst causes symptoms or complications, surgery is the most effective treatment option. There are several types of surgery for arachnoid cysts, includingn reduce the pressure and size of the arachnoid cyst.
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Arachnoid cyst fenestration involves making a small opening in the cyst wall to allow CSF to drain. This can reduce the cyst's pressure and sizeduce the pressure and size of the arachnoid cyst.
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Surgical excision involves removing the entire arachnoid cyst and its wall, which is more invasive and risky than other procedures.
In addition to the location, size, and shape of the arachnoid cyst, the patient's age and health, as well as the surgeon's preference and experience, the type of surgery that is most appropriate depends on several factors. Patients with arachnoid cysts may benefit from surgery, but it also carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, or recurrence.
Prevention of Arachnoid Cysts
There is no known way to prevent arachnoid cysts, as their cause is unknown. However, some steps that may help reduce the risk of developing secondary arachnoid cysts include:
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Wearing a helmet and seat belt to prevent head injury
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Getting vaccinated against meningitis and other infections that can affect the brain or spinal cord
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Seeking prompt medical attention for any symptoms or signs of brain or spinal cord problems
Outlook
Symptoms, complications, and treatment determine the outlook for people with arachnoid cysts. Most arachnoid cysts do not cause problems and have a good prognosis. Nevertheless, some arachnoid cysts can adversely affect the patient's function and well-being. Treatment can improve the outlook for these patients, but it may also have some risks and side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor and weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment option.
Summary
There are several types of arachnoid cysts, but they are not tumors or cancerous. Arachnoid cysts are the most common type of brain cyst, and they affect people of all ages, but they are more prevalent in males than females. Although most arachnoid cysts do not cause any symptoms and do not require any treatment, some can become large enough to compress surrounding structures and lead to headaches, seizures, or nerve damage. Arachnoid cysts can be treated according to their symptoms and potential complications. They can be treated with medications, surgery, or observation. The outlook for arachnoid cysts varies depending on their size, location, and effect on the brain and spinal cord. In addition to improving symptoms and quality of life, treatment carries some risks and side effects for patients with arachnoid cysts. The benefits and risks of each treatment option should be weighed with a doctor.
