What is an arachnoid cyst of the spine?

Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that occur on the arachnoid membrane that covers the brain (intracranial) and the spinal cord (spinal). There are three membranes covering these parts of the central nervous system: the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.

What causes a spinal arachnoid cyst?

The cause of arachnoid cysts is currently unknown. Most instances are sporadic. Research suggests that these cysts develop when the arachnoid membrane splits, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow in and become trapped. Arachnoid cysts occur more often among males than females and can arise at any age.

Can you live with an arachnoid cyst?

Most arachnoid cysts are stable and do not require treatment. They are four times more common in boys than in girls. Arachnoid cysts are diagnosed with a CT or MRI scan. Treatment, if necessary, involves draining the fluid through surgery or shunting.

When do arachnoid cysts require surgery?

If your child has a cyst without symptoms, the doctor may just watch the cyst to make sure it does not change size. If an arachnoid cyst is causing symptoms, your child may need surgery to remove it. Depending on your child’s needs, the neurosurgeon will recommend 1 of 2 surgeries to remove the cyst.

What kind of doctor treats arachnoid cyst?

Mark Souweidane, M.D., is vice chairman of the Weill Cornell Department of Neurological Surgery and director of the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center, is internationally recognized as an expert in the field of pediatric neurosurgery, including arachnoid cysts.

Can arachnoid cyst come back?

Most arachnoid cysts never cause symptoms, but on the rare occasions that they do, treatment for arachnoid cysts usually relieves symptoms. But cysts can grow back or fill with fluid after treatment.

Are symptoms related to arachnoid cyst?

Symptoms of a spinal arachnoid cyst depend on its size and location. Many spinal arachnoid cysts cause no symptoms at all. However, if the cyst is large enough, it can compress the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. In these cases, patients may experience pain, weakness, or numbness in the back, arms, or legs.

What is retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst?

Retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst in particular. It is a benign tumor in the form of a bubble filled with fluid. Retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst in most cases, forms as fluid accumulation in areas of the brain where there was destruction of the gray matter. It should be noted that it may be located in different parts of the brain.

Is arachnoid cyst hereditary?

Inheritance Inheritance. Most diagnosed cases of arachnoid cysts are sporadic – occurring in people without a family history of arachnoid cysts. However, familial cases of arachnoid cysts have been reported in the medical literature, suggesting that a genetic predisposition may play a role in some people.

What is treatment for brain cyst?

Treatments for arachnoid cysts include: Active surveillance for small cysts that aren’t causing symptoms. Surgery to remove or drain the cyst. Surgery may also be used to place a tube (shunt) to drain CSF and relieve pressure on the brain.