Table of Contents
What are Arachnoid Cysts?
Is there any treatment?
What is
the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What are Arachnoid Cysts?
Arachnoid cysts are
cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs that may develop between the surface
of the brain and the cranial base or on the arachnoid membrane - one
of the 3 membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Most
cases begin during infancy, however onset may be delayed until
adolescence. Symptoms of an arachnoid cyst are related to the cyst
size and location. Small cysts are usually asymptomatic and are
discovered only incidentally. Large cysts may cause cranial
deformation or macrocephaly (enlargement of the head), producing
such symptoms as headaches, seizures, hydrocephalus (excessive
accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid), increased intracranial
pressure, developmental delay, and behavioral changes. Other
symptoms may include hemiparesis (weakness or paralysis on one side
of the body) and ataxia (lack of muscle control). Arachnoid cysts
most often occur in males.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for arachnoid cysts
is symptomatic. When symptoms warrant, the surgical placement of a
shunt may be required to decompress (remove pressure from) the cyst.
What is the prognosis?
Untreated, arachnoid cysts
may cause permanent severe neurological damage due to the
progressive expansion of the cyst(s) or hemorrhage (bleeding). With
treatment most individuals with arachnoid cysts do well.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research
on brain and nervous system disorders such as arachnoid cysts. The
goal of this research is to increase scientific understanding of
these disorders and to find ways to prevent and treat them.
Organizations
National Organization for Rare Disorders
(NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel:
203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax:
203-798-2291
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public
Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
Last updated December 03, 2004
