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Arachnoid Cyst

FACTS:

• An arachnoid cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop between the surface of the brain and the cranial base or on the arachnoid membrane.
  
• Most cases begin during infancy, but sometimes the onset of symptoms may be delayed until adolescence.
  
• Symptoms are related to the cyst’s size and location.
  
• Some of the symptoms of a large cyst may be headaches, seizures, hydrocephalus, increased cranial pressure, developmental delay, behavioral changes, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, lack of muscle control, head bobbing, and visual impairment.
  
• Arachnoid cysts occur most often in males.
  
• If left untreated, when symptoms are severe, they may cause permanent severe neurological damage due to the expansion of the cyst or because of bleeding in the brain.
  
• A routine evaluation by a doctor with a CT or MRI scan can identify arachnoid cysts.

TREATMENT:

• Treatment for arachnoid cysts should be done only when symptoms occur.
  
• Surgical placement of a shunt may be required to remove pressure from the cyst.