Arachnoid cyst: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Arachnoid cyst | |||
| image = [[File:Arachnoid_cyst_(cropped).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = MRI image showing an arachnoid cyst | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[seizures]], [[hearing loss]], [[balance problems]] | |||
| complications = [[Hydrocephalus]], [[brain damage]] | |||
| onset = Congenital or acquired | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = Developmental abnormalities, [[trauma (medicine)|trauma]], [[infection]] | |||
| risks = [[Male]] gender, [[head injury]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[computed tomography|CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Brain tumor]], [[subdural hematoma]], [[epidermoid cyst]] | |||
| treatment = Observation, [[surgical intervention]] | |||
| medication = [[Anticonvulsant]]s for seizures | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
= Intracranial and Spinal Arachnoid Cysts = | = Intracranial and Spinal Arachnoid Cysts = | ||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
'''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. | '''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. | ||
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== Characteristics == | == Characteristics == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the cyst: | Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the cyst: | ||
=== Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts === | === Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts === | ||
* Headaches. | * Headaches. | ||
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* Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain). | * Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain). | ||
* Neurological deficits, depending on the cyst's location. | * Neurological deficits, depending on the cyst's location. | ||
=== Spinal Arachnoid Cysts === | === Spinal Arachnoid Cysts === | ||
* Symptoms of radiculopathy (pain and loss of function due to nerve root compression). | * Symptoms of radiculopathy (pain and loss of function due to nerve root compression). | ||
* Back pain. | * Back pain. | ||
* Muscle weakness and sensory issues in the limbs. | * Muscle weakness and sensory issues in the limbs. | ||
[[File:Arachnoid cyst.png|left|thumb|Brain MRI depicting an intracranial arachnoid cyst.]] | |||
[[File:Arachnoid cyst.png|thumb|Brain MRI depicting an intracranial arachnoid cyst.]] | |||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as: | Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as: | ||
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for detailed images of the brain or spinal cord. | * Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for detailed images of the brain or spinal cord. | ||
* Computed Tomography (CT) scans in certain cases. | * Computed Tomography (CT) scans in certain cases. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment depends on the symptoms and the cyst's impact on surrounding tissues: | 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. | * 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. | * Surgical intervention, such as cyst fenestration or shunting, may be necessary for symptomatic or large cysts. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Epidemiology == | ||
Arachnoid cysts are relatively rare. Intracranial cysts are more common in males and are often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. | Arachnoid cysts are relatively rare. Intracranial cysts are more common in males and are often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Neurosurgery]] | * [[Neurosurgery]] | ||
* [[Meninges]] | * [[Meninges]] | ||
* [[Cerebrospinal fluid]] | * [[Cerebrospinal fluid]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
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* {{cite web |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20353301 |title=Brain Cyst |publisher=Mayo Clinic}} | * {{cite web |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20353301 |title=Brain Cyst |publisher=Mayo Clinic}} | ||
</references> | </references> | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Arachnoid-Cysts American Association of Neurological Surgeons - Arachnoid Cysts] | * [https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Arachnoid-Cysts American Association of Neurological Surgeons - Arachnoid Cysts] | ||
* [https://www.ninds.nih.gov/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke] | * [https://www.ninds.nih.gov/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Diseases of the central nervous system]] | [[Category:Diseases of the central nervous system]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 16:48, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Arachnoid cyst | |
|---|---|
.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]
Introduction[edit]
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]
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]
Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the cyst:
Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts[edit]
- Headaches.
- Seizures.
- Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain).
- Neurological deficits, depending on the cyst's location.
Spinal Arachnoid Cysts[edit]
- Symptoms of radiculopathy (pain and loss of function due to nerve root compression).
- Back pain.
- Muscle weakness and sensory issues in the limbs.
Diagnosis[edit]
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]
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]
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]
Arachnoid cysts are relatively rare. Intracranial cysts are more common in males and are often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references>
- ,
Arachnoid Cysts: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment, Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2018,
Brain Cyst(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.
</references>
