An arachnoid cyst is a fluid filled sac that develops primarily in the uterus during the development of the brain and skull. The arachnoid membrane of the brain splits, and the split space fills with fluid known as cerebral spinal fluid. The fluid will enter the split area, but it cannot escape at the same rate as it enters. Because of this, the cyst will grow over time. The growth rate depends on many factors, but even as it grows, more times than not, the cyst will remain asymptomatic. This means that generally, an arachnoid cyst will not cause any symptoms.
Arachnoid cysts can grow anywhere on the brain with the primary areas being the side of the brain, and the top of the brain. When a cyst forms on the back of the brain, this is called a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. A posterior fossa arachnoid cyst can create pressure on the brain stem and the cerebellum. These are extremely vital organs of the brain and they both produce tremendous functions that are required to live.
The brain stem controls a lot of our everyday functions that we do not even think about. One thing it controls is our body temperature. It controls our diaphragm for breathing, and it is where our hunger and thirst are controlled. It is also the path in which all our nerves leave the brain and travel throughout the body. The brain stem controls our pain, it is also where the nausea center is based, and it plays a role in the regulation of our hearts.
The cerebellum; on the other hand, helps control our balance. It plays a role in the reflex of our muscles, and plays a major role in our motor skills. Both parts of the brain have their very specific tasks, and when either one is compromised, it can reek havoc on the entire body.
If treatment is needed for an arachnoid cyst, usually the first choice is a fenestration of the cyst. This means going into the brain with a wand and opening up any walls that may have formed inside the cyst. These walls trap the fluid inside the cyst. The idea of this procedure is to get all the cerebral spinal fluid flowing in and out of the cyst efficiently so that the cyst does not continue to grow. If this procedure does not work, a neurosurgeon may decide to put a shunt in. A shunt helps to keep the cyst draining and not allow fluid to build up inside. If the cyst is small enough and in a space on the brain that is not too dangerous to remove, the neurosurgeon may be able to remove it altogether.
Symptoms can show themselves in many ways; from balance problems, nausea, vomiting, headaches, even seizures. Many cysts are discovered on accident when having a scan for another reason. They can be seen on Cat Scan, but the preferred diagnostic test for a brain cyst, is an MRI.
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Well that is a wonderful story! One of the best I've heard. I am so very glad things turned out well for him. I hope and pray that he continues to do this well and just doesn't have anymore issues with it.
Not everyone is as fortunate and I am one of those. I am the mother of 2 boys - ages almost 15 and 12. I pray that they never experience a brain cyst. They have discovered that in some situations, they can be hereditary. Will always keep an eye on them for that. : )
Have you seen my book, by chance, "It's all in Your Head." It's quite the story and those living with a brain cyst, or Chiari Malformation, etc., have told me it's been beneficial to them in many ways. You may find it is for you as well....kind of learn things from my experience. Here is the link to it on Amazon, in case you want to check it out.
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Your-Head-Maria-McCutchen/dp/1613460716/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365356635&sr=1-1&keywords=it%27s+all+in+your+head+maria+mccutchen
Well, feel free to update me any time. Again, so happy for your son and family!
April 7, 2013 - 10:45amGod Bless!
Maria
This Comment
Hi Maria I have just read your book. I am suffering as wen speak I was diagnosed in 2008 with an arachnoid cyst. I have been up and down ever since. I'm due an MRI on 13th June as I have been having alot of neuorolical symptoms. I had a throat infection which wasn't treated propely in April and I'm now left with intense pain in area of cyst. I can't hear properly and my vision is awful. Today I'm even contemplating going to er but have been treated so badly up there before I don't wanna go. I'm having a paticulary bad day today. The pain is intense when I cough or move wrong. I'd like to know your progress from your book. Please feel free to email me on [email protected] I am very alone in my illness and don't speak to anyone about it. Would be lovely to have some positive words from a fellow sufferer
X
June 1, 2013 - 6:33amThis Comment
Hi Deb,
I was just reading your post. What a mess. First, so sorry about troubles. What a story. I too have an arachnoid cyst...mine is on the back of the brain and takes up over a 1/3 of my brain - wrapping around to the right of the brain. It was too large to remove and had grown over the years so that my brain grew around it - moving and shifting to make room for the growing water bag. I had a fenestration in May of '05 - then got a shunt in Sept. of '05. To be quite honest, I don't know what I would do if I were you...shunt the cyst or another excision. Like I said, I was never given the option of excision due to my brain expecting it to be there after having it so long, and was told to remove it, would mean I would die. My shunt did give me a lot of toruble, but that was primarily because I had a horrible doctor - neurosurgeon, (different than the neurosurgeon who operated and subsequently put in the shunt). The horrible one followed my shunt and he allowed it to overdrain for too long, to the point where I developed a Chiari Malformation and my brain sags now. Brain cysts are trouble no matter what, it seems. There is never an easy answer or an easy fix. To me, the way I think now, is you have to find the doctor you trust the most. The one who seems like they know and understand brain cysts best, and the one you believe will make the best decision and offers you the best treatment plan. Even if it means seeing several different doctors. I wrote my story, my book titled, "It's all in Your Head," and it is out now. You can find it on Amazon, through Barnes and Noble, basically you can get it through any major bookstore. I not only wanted to tell my story, but I hope it will bring hope and a sense of commraderie to all of us who suffer with brain cysts.
Do keep us updated on your decision and how things go for you...what you decide to do etc. I'd like to hear what you decide and how you are doing.
Remember....see as many neurosurgeons as you can or need to, to make the best, most informed decision.
Take care,
March 25, 2012 - 9:10amMaria McCutchen
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Hi everyone, my name is Deb. I'm scared, because I just found out my cyst has regrown. It's in the same place as before. It was excised 4 years ago. When I first found out I had it in 2006, it was quarter size. Then it grew. Why? No one can answer that. My neurological exams were always intact. My neurologist use to tell me go home and not think about it. How can someone not think about it when they had an ovarian cyst removed the year before and now a cyst in there head. For 2 years I suffered watching this thing grow inside me till it became 7cm by 5cm. It deviated my brain and I had it excised in 2008. I had a ct scan 1 year later, due to an er visit because of an excrutiating headache. The ct. scan was neg. 1year later I had another headache ended up in the er had a ct scan and it was neg. I had a whopper of a head ache 4 months ago and never ran to the er to have a ct scan. I was trying to believe in myself that it was related to taking 1 vicodin secondary to the pain of a root canal I needed.
March 25, 2012 - 6:12amI was feeling off the other day. I felt zapping senstions all over my body. I won't deny I'm under stress. Everyone is under stress. I won't deny I sufferred from depression quite sometime prior to finding out about my cystectomy in 2008. My new Ct. scan from feeling the zapping sensations showed I have my cyst back in the same location and it is 6cm by 4cm.
Now I have to make a decision to whether or not I get a shunt or another excision, or do nothing. From 2010, I had a neg ct. scan. Now 2 years later I have a cyst that is 6 by 4. My head hurts right at the prior incision line. My skull feels like it has cracked a tiny bit. I know something needs to be done asap. What can I do? [email protected]
This Comment
Hi everyone, my name is Deb. I'm scared, because I just found out my cyst has regrown. It's in the same place as before. It was excised 4 years ago. When I first found out I had it in 2006, it was quarter size. Then it grew. Why? No one can answer that. My neurological exams were always intact. My neurologist use to tell me go home and not think about it. How can someone not think about it when they had an ovarian cyst removed the year before and now a cyst in there head. For 2 years I suffered watching this thing grow inside me till it became 7cm by 5cm. It deviated my brain and I had it excised in 2008. I had a ct scan 1 year later, due to an er visit because of an excrutiating headache. The ct. scan was neg. 1year later I had another headache ended up in the er had a ct scan and it was neg. I had a whopper of a head ache 4 months ago and never ran to the er to have a ct scan. I was trying to believe in myself that it was related to taking 1 vicodin secondary to the pain of a root canal I needed.
March 25, 2012 - 6:11amI was feeling off the other day. I felt zapping senstions all over my body. I won't deny I'm under stress. Everyone is under stress. I won't deny I sufferred from depression quite sometime prior to finding out about my cystectomy in 2008. My new Ct. scan from feeling the zapping sensations showed I have my cyst back in the same location and it is 6cm by 4cm.
Now I have to make a decision to whether or not I get a shunt or another excision, or do nothing. From 2010, I had a neg ct. scan. Now 2 years later I have a cyst that is 6 by 4. My head hurts right at the prior incision line. My skull feels like it has cracked a tiny bit. I know something needs to be done asap. What can I do? [email protected]
This Comment
Hi, I have surgery coming up Jan. 20th. I am 56 and was a little worried, but I am very healthy and have a positive attitude. The many comments have helped me. I did not know anything about recovery. I have researched my Doctor and I feel very good about the nerosurgeon that I have. I live in Northern California. My cyst was found from MRI's after I had 5 weeks of severe pain in my left shoulder. No one has been able to explain that. I am lucky with the time, it has only been since October and now having surgery. Symptoms just came on. I had slurred speech for a year before and thought maybe it was a small stroke but never did anything. I do not go to Doctors and this has been hard for me. I do everything naturally. But, I have been doing what is needed. I am scared to have surgery on my brain but it is in God's hands. I have a lot of friends and family that will be praying for me. Glad I found this site.
January 16, 2012 - 9:06pmSarah
This Comment
I was diognosed with a posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst in june of ths year from a motor cycle accident four years ago i have seazures and headaches and balance issues along wih memory loss i dont know how far the cyst has spread at this point and Doctors in maine dont take it serously along with they dont treat it here in this state either. It took me a year and a half to get this last Mri begged my dr sumthing was treible wrong and got blown off as i am today. I Dont no who to see or how to get a referal to a Docotr that can or is willin to help me! I wonder if if it was treated if my headaches and seazures would get better or if traetment is the best route to go.I am lost in what to do next any one that can help with sugestions PLEASE email me at [email protected] or face book. I urge and comments or help anyone can throw my way and would be greatly appreciated ! Thanx, Claudia in Maine
October 20, 2011 - 4:13pmThis Comment
Hi Claudia,
I understand what you are going through. My doctors did not want to believe that all my symptoms were being caused by cyst either. I had to push and pursue finding someone who did believe my cyst was the root of my problems and a doctor who knew how to treat them. Brain cysts, depending on where they are lockated, what they are putting pressure on, can cause seizures. They do cause balance problems and headaches. All that you mention "can" be symptoms of a brain cyst.
I would pursue finding another doctor, a neurosurgeon, who does understand brain cysts. I would start making notes about the symptoms, keeping a diary of what you live with to share with doctors. And you can read my book to see what I went through with mine, and the many complications I lived with and still live with, due to doctors not listening. My book is titled, "It's all in Your Head." It's available on Amazon.com through the publisher at: http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613460719
Don't give up. If you know what you were like at one point in your life and how things have changed for you, and you have been diagnosed with a brain cyst, then pursue it. I don't know how far you are willing to travel for treatment but Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix is wonderful. Dr. Robert Spetzler was my neurosurgeon and he understood well, the patterns, the complications and symptoms these brain cysts can cause. I would start calling neurosurgeons in your area, and ask if he/she deals with brain cysts. If so, I would then send a letter directly to doctor along with a copy of my records and films and ask if he could and would treat you. It takes time and can some money to have to get copies of your recoreds and films and mail them, but can be worth it to find a good neurosurgeon who is willing and able to help you.
Keep us posted, and check out my book. It could be a help to you.
Thanks,
October 21, 2011 - 4:14amMaria
This Comment
Good luck! Having confidence in your surgeon is the first step. Keep us posted to how you are doing.
Maria
January 17, 2012 - 5:03amThis Comment
I am so glad to see a forum like this and reading all the stories of people affected with these awful conditions and disorders. I would like to tell my story here as simple as possible and directly to the the point. My name is Kevin and I just turned 51 and last October 2010, I had just got up and was doing my normal thing , drinking coffee and all of sudden I told myself I think I'm gonna be sick and all of the sudden I couldn't get my breath and was gasping for air, I thought maybe if I get up and go out on the porch I would be better for it was a little cooler and I was sweating much. I got up and couldn't go any further and was desperately trying to get my breath. My mom was there and was freaking out and told my cousin to call 911 which she did. I sat back down and she got her blood pressure machine out and checked my pressure all while i was trying to get my breath, it was 65/55 any way the ambulance got there and immed gave me oxygen and by the time I got to hospital I had stabilized. Check'd out later that afternoon w/ syncope /dyspnea. I was referred to to see medical professional with 3-5 days. It took three months to get in. He said he would get hospital report which I believe as of this day he still has not, but anyway. I have had pain in my ears even before this happened for probably the last couple of years or so, just a continuous dull ache sometimes not so bad and other times more severe and hurting worse for days and weeks at a time. any way the Doctor had checked me for sexual disease's, hept's ABC, markers for heart disorders and such over the next few months. 7 months later in may 2011. Before i ever got out of bed I was dizzy and unbalanced, for i did get out of bed and about hit the wall. This was not vertigo for I have had it before. the doc had checked my ears earlier and said they looked good with no signs of infection or build-up, meanwhile this lasted approx 3 days more seveir and a couple of more days less intense and getting better. Over the next 3 months ear pain getting worse radiating, Then almost over night my chest started hurting and when I breathed I could feel it in my chest and it hurt much. Just to put your finger on my chest hurt so bad all the while I noticed my ears were hurting when i took each breath as well as my chest so I went to hospital. They did ekg and it was fine did numerous blood works looking for heart markers. Blood pressure was elevated and heart rate was normal rate. CT scan of chest showed calcified granaloma in right lung with multiple calcified lymph nodes, 2 simple cysts in liver and nothing else to mention. I was released diagnosed with pluresy and told to take it easy and was referred to cardiologist for followup. Cardiologist wants me to do couple of different types of stress test but cant do right now due to the ear pain still on going when i breath. This is now sept , my chest is still sore some to the touch but doesn't hurt much when i breath, but my ears still hurt with every breath. Also I had been hoarse somewhat during all this which has finally got better, but still have much neck tenderness along with right side of face has different feeling, a feeling of deadness, but not, cause i can still feel. I was referred to ENT and have since went thru a head MRI after hearing test proved big difference left ear. I had no idea, but he recommended the MRI w/ contrast. He said whenever they see that difference between the hearing loss they think of tumors and such. Anyway the MRI results showed a Posterior Fossa Archnoid Cyst. I go back to the ENT on Monday the 3rd and he doesn't even know I know. Earlier this week I had went for a followup for my hip necrosis w/ family doctor that's been monitoring all this and he looked up the MRI results and wasn't even gonna tell me anything about it until he was done telling me he didn't really see anything wrong and I said isn't there a cyst and he looked at me and said how did you know? I said look doc, you know i get copies of all my test and reports and yes I got a copy of the report even before I went back to the ENT . He said he didn't think that was causing my problems, but would leave it to the ENT I mean after all he has not seen the films, so how would he know even what size it is or exactly where it is. The films depict that . Also I have had a lot of ringing in my ears. Since the MRI on the 22nd I have had some headache pains in my head, nothing that last long , thanks GOD, but all the same is real painful. After reading and learning much about this, it seems that , not all patients have the same symptoms and symptoms are not so revealing themselves. I believe they are learning more and thanks to medical technologies we have learned so much, but there is still so much to learn. I feel like the founder of this forum, I don't want to wait and start having seizures, black-outs spells, be continually puking or just flat out die over this. I know if another attack comes on like before when i couldn't breath, if it would've been any worse II wouldn't made it. I mean there is much to learn and I hope they figure it out soon. I just want to go back to feeling good again. Ear pain, especially when breathing , Facial sensation difference, chest discomfort, neck tenderness/soreness, headache pains, not extending at this time, but the short little pains are more painful than any head pain I have ever had. I mean could this all be related to the cyst and pressure being put on the cerebellum or spinal cord. If anyone of you have suffered similar symptoms please let me know. I will let you all know what the ENT says on the 3rd. GOD BLESS you all
September 30, 2011 - 1:34pmThis Comment