Bladder-like growths in the brain, also known as arachnoid cysts, are a common occurrence in the human population. They are benign, fluid-filled sacs that form between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater in the brain.

Although usually harmless, they can cause a range of symptoms if they grow large enough to compress the surrounding brain tissue.

Symptoms of Arachnoid Cysts

Arachnoid cysts are often asymptomatic, which means that they cause no symptoms and may be discovered incidentally during brain imaging studies done for other reasons.

However, when they grow large enough to cause pressure on the surrounding tissue, they can cause a range of symptoms, including:.

Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures, including focal seizures
Balance problems and difficulty with coordination
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Vision or hearing disturbances
Cognitive problems, such as memory impairment or difficulty with concentration

Diagnosis of Arachnoid Cysts

Arachnoid cysts are usually diagnosed through brain imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI scans or Ultrasound testing. The diagnosis is often made incidentally during imaging studies for other medical conditions.

Imaging studies are effective methods for detecting arachnoid cysts, but other tests, such as evaluations of symptoms, neurological tests, and postural stability measurements may also be necessary to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms.

Treatment of Arachnoid Cysts

The majority of patients with arachnoid cysts do not require treatment. For individuals who do develop symptoms attributed to the cysts, surgery may be necessary.

Surgical treatment options will depend on the location and size of the cyst as well as the patient’s age and overall health status. Minimally invasive options may be available, including endoscopic cyst fenestration, which involves making small holes in the cyst to allow the fluid to drain, or endoscopic cyst excision, which involves removal of the cyst entirely.

More invasive surgical options include a craniotomy or shunting, which is the surgical placement of a tube into the cyst in order to drain the fluid.

The recovery time for surgery will depend on the type of operation performed and can range from a few days to several months. After brain surgery, rehabilitation therapy may be necessary to regain lost function and mobility.

Risks and complications of arachnoid cyst treatment

All surgical procedures come with risks and potential complications. These may include bleeding, infection, brain swelling, seizures, and loss of neurological function.

The risk of complications will depend on the type of procedure performed and the individual’s overall health status at the time of the surgery. It is important for individuals considering surgery to discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor carefully.

Conclusion

Arachnoid cysts are bladder-like growths that occur in the brain. Although they are usually benign and asymptomatic, they can cause a range of symptoms if they grow large enough to press on surrounding brain tissue.

Diagnosis is generally made through brain imaging studies. In most instances, arachnoid cysts do not require treatment; however, in cases where cysts are causing bothersome symptoms, surgical treatment options are usually available.

It is important for individuals with arachnoid cysts to discuss the risk-benefit profile of surgical treatment options with their doctor carefully.