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Neurology (Expert Forum)
2 year old daughter with cysts in temporal lobes
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2 year old daughter with cysts in temporal lobes
by kip9996, Aug 22, 2005 12:00AM
My wife and I were told our 2 1/2 year old daughter has 2 asymetrical cysts in her temporal lobes. This was found from an MRI that was originally done for her toe walking. One of the cysts was categorized as very large while the other was small. The neuro surgeons expected to hear that my daughter was having problems speaking or remembering things but specialists have actually described her as advanced in those areas. She has had no seizures or appearant ill effects and I am wondering just how serious these cysts are. We will be taking her back for another MRI (with dye this time), although that might not happen for a few months.
Here are my questions:
1. Are these common in children?
2. Does this typically require surgery?
3. What are the risks to not removing them?
4. Can these develop into malignant tumours?
As well, the MRI showed a short spinal cord which the neuro surgeons stated would not have an impact on why she is still toe walking. Would you agree with this assessment?
I appreciate your time in answering my questions.
Here are my questions:
1. Are these common in children?
2. Does this typically require surgery?
3. What are the risks to not removing them?
4. Can these develop into malignant tumours?
As well, the MRI showed a short spinal cord which the neuro surgeons stated would not have an impact on why she is still toe walking. Would you agree with this assessment?
I appreciate your time in answering my questions.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Aug 25, 2005 12:00AM
IT depends where the cysts are - if they are within the substance of the brain, then a tumor should be excluded by doing a contrast scan and/or a biopsy
If they are outside the brain but inside the skull they may be subarachnoid cysts which are common in this area, and usually not operated on unless compressing brain strucutres and causing a neurological deficit. Usually they remain the same over time and are a common 'incidental' finding on MRI, and do not become maligant.
I'm not sure what the 'short spinal cord' is - there is some normal varaitiona nd the spinal cord can end at different levels. They may mean a 'tethered cord' but I do not have the scan so I cannot interpret this. This means that the spinal cord is tied at the end to the surrounding soft tissue, then growing causes the cord to become stretched causing toe walking and maybe some weakness or spasticity. The MRI should diagnose this.
Good luck
If they are outside the brain but inside the skull they may be subarachnoid cysts which are common in this area, and usually not operated on unless compressing brain strucutres and causing a neurological deficit. Usually they remain the same over time and are a common 'incidental' finding on MRI, and do not become maligant.
I'm not sure what the 'short spinal cord' is - there is some normal varaitiona nd the spinal cord can end at different levels. They may mean a 'tethered cord' but I do not have the scan so I cannot interpret this. This means that the spinal cord is tied at the end to the surrounding soft tissue, then growing causes the cord to become stretched causing toe walking and maybe some weakness or spasticity. The MRI should diagnose this.
Good luck
