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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Arachnoid cyst symptoms?
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Arachnoid cyst symptoms?
by bobona, Oct 06, 2006 12:00AM
In the middle of May of 2006, I experienced a strong headache (both sides of head, around the temples), accompanied by slight numbness in both arms and the lower part of the face. An MRI was ordered which revealed an arachnoid cyst in the inferior-medial aspect of the right temporal lobe (overlying the petrous ridge). The dimensions of the cyst are 2.9 x 1.3 x 1.6 and it appears to be extra-axial. The rest of the MRI report seems to suggest that the surrounding areas are not affected. Following contrast, there is no pathological enhancement. Ever since the onset of that headache in May, I've had weird symptoms (every day): slight headaches (not in one specific area), woozy feeling in the lower part of the head (it seems like my head is getting heavy and my brain is about to “shut down”), pressure in both years (kind of like the feeling when a plane is taking off), fatigue. There is a correlation between these symptoms and my period (the symptoms are stronger at the beginning of my period and during it). Also, it would seem that the symptoms are brought on mainly while I am sitting down (I work in front of a computer). I have never experienced all of these symptoms at the same time before, this is definitely something new and hasn’t let up for the last 5-6 months. My questions are:
1)Is this cyst (2.9 x 1.3 x 1.6) considered small or large? What is the average size? 2)Could my symptoms be related to the gradual expansion of the cyst? 3)How fast do arachnoid cysts grow in adults (I am 30 years old)? 4)If it is not the cyst, what else could it be?
Thanks for your time
1)Is this cyst (2.9 x 1.3 x 1.6) considered small or large? What is the average size? 2)Could my symptoms be related to the gradual expansion of the cyst? 3)How fast do arachnoid cysts grow in adults (I am 30 years old)? 4)If it is not the cyst, what else could it be?
Thanks for your time
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Oct 11, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
Arachnoid cysts are congenital and have been there all along. They are generally incidental findings on CT/MRIs done for other reasons (headaches in your case). The vast majority of people with arachnoid cysts never have symptoms related to the cyst. In a small fraction of people, cysts have been associated with seizures, headaches and cyst expansion/rupture. From the symptoms you described, I suspect that you have a primary headache disorder (likely migraine headaches). Other possibilities (less likely) include anxiety, increased intracranial pressure from an expanding cyst and seizures.Your headaches are not likely to be related to your cyst, but there is testing that can help decipher this. I would recommend a PET scan (FDG-Glucose PET) of the brain. If the Cyst is causing damage to the surrounding brain, then the areas around the cyst may show up as an area of hypometabolism.
Another tests that msy be helpful is an EEG (electroencephalogram). For the migraine possibility I would suggest a trial on Elavil 25mg at night (a preventative medication). I would also recommend a repeat scan in 3 months to monitor the size of the cyst.
I hope this has been helpful.
Arachnoid cysts are congenital and have been there all along. They are generally incidental findings on CT/MRIs done for other reasons (headaches in your case). The vast majority of people with arachnoid cysts never have symptoms related to the cyst. In a small fraction of people, cysts have been associated with seizures, headaches and cyst expansion/rupture. From the symptoms you described, I suspect that you have a primary headache disorder (likely migraine headaches). Other possibilities (less likely) include anxiety, increased intracranial pressure from an expanding cyst and seizures.Your headaches are not likely to be related to your cyst, but there is testing that can help decipher this. I would recommend a PET scan (FDG-Glucose PET) of the brain. If the Cyst is causing damage to the surrounding brain, then the areas around the cyst may show up as an area of hypometabolism.
Another tests that msy be helpful is an EEG (electroencephalogram). For the migraine possibility I would suggest a trial on Elavil 25mg at night (a preventative medication). I would also recommend a repeat scan in 3 months to monitor the size of the cyst.
I hope this has been helpful.
I have a few Questions. Do these cysts spread and enlarge to create more problems than I am having at the present time? I have also had what I was told is a blockage in my left inner ear. I have not been able to lay on my left side for at least a year without getting an ear ache. Could this be a cyst? What treatments are available? I am currently in physical threapy because the muscles in my back are severly inflamed and tightened up from holding my posture wrong.
Thank you for any insight you may be able to give me.