Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
Arachnoid cysts - other options then shunts?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Arachnoid cysts - other options then shunts?
by ShawnH, Jan 08, 2003 12:00AM
My husband has an Arachnoid cyst that is located in the left frontal and temporal lobes. When it was first measured in 1995, it was approx 10cm x 4cm x 51/2cm. Though he is asymptomatic, we had been repeating MRI every 3 years to monitor it. He has also been diagnosed with sleep apeana that he was told causes headaches and his lack of energy The latest MRI showed a slight growth it now measures 11cm X 4 1/1cm X 6cm. . The Dr is recommending putting in a shunt to prevent future problems. Our questions are
What are the other options to shunts?
What are the risks / side affects of a shunt?
Could the shunt cause symptoms?
What are the "future" problems with cysts?
Is there a way to find a specialist who deals specifically with these as opposed to a general neurosurgeon?
Thank you
What are the other options to shunts?
What are the risks / side affects of a shunt?
Could the shunt cause symptoms?
What are the "future" problems with cysts?
Is there a way to find a specialist who deals specifically with these as opposed to a general neurosurgeon?
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Jan 13, 2003 12:00AM
1.As I do not know the precise location of your husband's cyst and where it is in relation to the arachnoid space (normal CSF space), it's hard to give an accurate opinion, but generally speaking yes, there are other options. Endoscopic procedures seems to be the new thing right now where they artifically create connections between the cyst and the arachnoid space where it can then drain there naturally, relieving the pressure and volume in the cyst or they can just drain it using endoscopic methods. CT guided aspiration or withdrawal of the fluid is another option as well as surgical excision.
2.Infection and shunt malfunction resulting in over or underdrainage.
3.Yes if there is malfunction as stated above, can present with headaches, visual symptoms, nausea and vomiting depending on what's going on with the shunt.
4.If it continues to grow and starts to push on certain structures of the brain, it may affect the functions of those structures. For instance, depending on exactly where it is in your husband, it may affect frontal and temporal functions such as speech and right sided strength.
5.I would get in a touch with an academic center and ask if there is a neurosurgeon who deals with a lot of shunts if that's what you're considering or endoscopic procedures. Dr. Luciano here at the Clinic does both. Good luck.
2.Infection and shunt malfunction resulting in over or underdrainage.
3.Yes if there is malfunction as stated above, can present with headaches, visual symptoms, nausea and vomiting depending on what's going on with the shunt.
4.If it continues to grow and starts to push on certain structures of the brain, it may affect the functions of those structures. For instance, depending on exactly where it is in your husband, it may affect frontal and temporal functions such as speech and right sided strength.
5.I would get in a touch with an academic center and ask if there is a neurosurgeon who deals with a lot of shunts if that's what you're considering or endoscopic procedures. Dr. Luciano here at the Clinic does both. Good luck.
