Arachnoid Cysts | Symptoms & Causes
What causes arachnoid cysts?
Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes arachnoid cysts, but they think the cysts may form if there is a tear in the arachnoid membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Boys are four times more likely to have arachnoid cysts than girls.
What are the symptoms of an arachnoid cyst?
Some children with arachnoid cysts will never have symptoms. Most people who will have symptoms usually have them before age 20, though symptoms often start before age 1.
Arachnoid cysts can cause a large range of symptoms, depending on where the cysts are located and their size. Some common symptoms include:
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- seizures
- hearing and vision problems
- dizziness
- trouble with balance and walking
- leg or back pain
- numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Arachnoid Cysts | Diagnosis & Treatments
How are arachnoid cysts diagnosed?
Arachnoid cysts are usually diagnosed with a complete exam and imaging tests to see the cysts. These tests may include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans – CT scans use x-ray equipment and powerful computers to create detailed images of the head and brain.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – MRI uses a combination of electromagnets and radio waves to take detailed images of the brain.
What are the treatment options for arachnoid cysts?
Many children with arachnoid cysts don't need any treatment. In most cases, treatment is only recommend if the cysts are causing symptoms. If your child needs treatment there are a few options:
- Surgery to remove the cyst or to open the cyst so it can be reabsorbed into the spinal fluid.
- Placing a shunt (a thin tube shaped like a straw) into the cyst to drain the fluid into another part of the body, such as the stomach.
Expert care for arachnoid cysts
Our Neurosurgery team at Boston Children's Hospital uses minimally invasive surgery (smaller and more precise tools) to treat arachnoid cysts. This type of surgery means smaller incisions, quicker recovery and fewer side effects for our patients.
