Cyst can mean that it may lead to a tumor. However, an arachnoid cyst is different from that. It is an indication that it may lead to other health problems. As for this, it is the kind of cyst that commonly develops in the patient’s head. However, there are times when it develops in the surrounding of the spinal cord. It is named as an arachnoid cyst due to its characteristic of occurring in between the arachnoid membrane or brain or spinal column. The membrane is among the 3 membrane layers that surround the spine and brain. If the head develops in the head, it will grow amid the skull and brain or the pockets surrounding the brain, which are called ventricles. The cyst is filled with CSF – cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is naturally occurring and it is a protective one surrounding the spinal column and brain.
This fluid is accumulating in the cyst. That is because the cyst walls are not permitting drainage going to the CSF system. Children are developing this cyst as well. It is usually congenital, which means the cyst is present from the time of birth. However, there are also cysts that are not congenital and these are called the arachnoid cysts. Between these two, the primary type of this cyst is the most common. The risk of men developing arachnoid cyst is higher than of women.
The Symptoms of Arachnoid Cyst
In the medical field, it was stated that most people with this condition are not experiencing any arachnoid cyst symptoms. At most, the symptom only occurs because of the problems caused by the condition itself. One of the symptoms that may occur to the child includes the cyst getting bigger or bleeding of the cyst. This occurs because as the cyst gets bigger, more pressure is also put around the parts of the patient’s brain. This leads to the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid getting blocked. As the blockage occurs, a condition known as hydrocephalus develops. This causes additional pressure to and within the skull.
One thing that people should know about the arachnoid cyst symptoms is that it may have a relation to the size and location of the cyst.
Symptoms Felt When the Cyst is Around the Brain
Headache is one of the primary arachnoid cyst symptoms in this case. It is followed by nausea as well as vomiting. Occurrence of seizures is common, along with hearing and seeing problems. Vertigo or intense dizziness, walking and balancing problems are also included.
Symptoms Felt When the Cyst is Close the Spinal Cord
There will be back pain and numbing or tingling in the arms or legs. Experiencing weakness in the arms and legs is also present. There is the problem of controlling the bladder and bowel.
It was said that such cysts often do not involve symptoms. Often times, the condition is discovered during the examination for another reason. The condition has a chance of showing up upon undergoing a brain CT scan or MRI. Specific tests will be further done once this cyst is found in the previous exams. These tests will help in determining the cyst apart from other problems.
