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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Hey. They found the same thing here. They found it 3 years ago on accident with no symptoms. I started keeping headaches. Which came towards the end of the day. Inot between my eyes and for head. And vertigo symptoms as well. Mri showed the cysts hasn't grown any so they don't see why it would all of sudden start giving me symptoms. I get extreme fatigued. I'm 27 with 4 kids I know tired and this is past this. I get absolutely drained. I have Fibromialaga and I hurt in my neck and Arms. The headaches and spacey full feeling went away but it's back now. Stress seems to trigger this. Have you found answers
February 28, 2016 - 6:55pmThis Comment
Your doctor's aren't trained or educated enough. Please find someone with A.C. experience
August 11, 2015 - 7:52amThis Comment
I am also from texas by the way
June 1, 2015 - 10:01amThis Comment
I just got diagnosed with a cyst on the back of my brain too on the cerebellum region by spine. I have same symptoms as you but they are not going to do anything to it and didnt seem too worried. They said they would do another MRI in a few months to check to see if it is growing.
June 1, 2015 - 9:56amThis Comment
Hi I've just been reading your post about what your experiencing ! I have for many years suffered with the symptoms your highlighting I really thought that it was really serious that I'd got a brain cyst or maybe a tumour , my doctors sent me two months ago th have a mri as it was concerning, but I'm glad to say there was nothing found in the brain it was all normal but I had serious sinus problems an these symptoms I was experiencing was caused from this, I'm currently awaiting to see an ent specialist, I no that you've got this brain cyst but if you've no sign of anything else that could cause the symptoms that you are having be very adamant that they need to do more to help! I no how frustrating this can be as my husband has a cyst on the stem of the brain an has had neurological problems over the last two years but because his health is not gd they won't operate to put s shunt in ! I hope this has been z little help fog you !x
April 21, 2015 - 3:04pmThis Comment
Reading you guys symptoms is like Im writing it myself i had every symptoms you guys are describing, im in FL but i had to go to CA to get surgery since not doctor will operate on me. Good luck i hope you find someone that will help
March 24, 2015 - 8:33pmThis Comment
I know exactly how you feel, my headaches wouldnt go away for days, i had problems with my vision also, my vision would come and go. All my symptoms inproved about 70% after I had surgery. Just know you are not alone. Dont give up, get second opinioms amd try to find a doctor that specialize in arachnoid cyst. Wish you the best of luck. What state are you locate?
March 9, 2015 - 5:38pmThis Comment
I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have come across this website. I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation 19 mm with "arachnoid cystt" sitting on the right cerebellar tonsil - I was told. I also had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, retroflexed odontoid, craniocervical instability - just complicated. So went to world renowned complex Chiari expert in NY - had a posterior fossa decompression, occipital to c2 & c3 fusion and 5 months later had a tethered cord release. Okay, two MRI's later & this "arachnoid cyst" is STILL there. My NS (whom I LOVE)and I are at this juncture where we aren't quite sure what this is. He is diagnosing me at syringobulbia (which means the cyst/syrinx) is in the brainstem vs. what I'm reading on here - the cyst is outside putting pressure on the brainstem? I have all my MRI's and I'm (and a good friend) of mine (along with my NS who is going to contact some colleagues) are trying to figure out exactly what's going on. But to find out that the possibly of I actually may have an arachnoid cyst (the inital diagnosis) vs syringobulbia is ironic. Though both scary the crap out of me. I'm definitely going to reach out to Dr. Speltzer in AZ & read your book. Thank you!
February 17, 2015 - 10:28pmThis Comment
Yes, it definitely sounds like you have a very in-depth, complicated case. I would highly recommend Dr. Spetzler because he deals with it all. It's not always easy to get the correct diagnosis because doctors will have conflicting opinions, etc. but I would trust Dr. Spetzler and his diagnosis hands-down. I saw different NS over time and he had the most knowledge, the best treatment plan, and performed the surgeries with precise expertise and no complications.
I'm glad you are going to read the book. I hope it will give you one brain cyst survivor's story that you can relate to and hopefully get some ideas from for your own situation. Do keep us update.
Best wishes,
Maria
March 9, 2015 - 5:53pmThis Comment
i found out several days ago i have a cyst on the rightside of the brain, i am defantly scared to death. the size of it is3.9 by 2.3 cm. with all the other health issues i have going on , i just don't know how to handle this one. if u can give me some adive i would be so thankfull . sorry about the spelling.
March 4, 2015 - 2:06pmThis Comment