Are symptoms related to arachnoid cyst?

I was diagnozed with an arachnoid cyst in the right temporal lobe with dimensions of 2.9 x 1.3 x 1.6. Since the cyst was detected, I have been having weird symptoms: mild headaches almost every day (not on one particular side but kind of moving around), heavy-head feeling (like my bran is about to "shut down"), pressure in the ears (like the feeling when a plane is taking off), fatigue, slight numbness in both arms. Two neurologista have told me that the cyst is not causing the symptoms, so I should just monitor it from time to time (e.g., every 6 months or so). I really want to believe them, but it seems like too big a coincidence--I can't help but feel that the symptoms are somehow related to the arachnoid cyst (it is true that my symtoms (symptoms) worsen during my period). Does anyone have an experience with this type of cyst? How fast do they grow? What else could these symptoms be related to?

[Candik7]

it is not a coincedence I have a small arachnoid cyst as well and have the following symptoms, head pressure (feels like it might explode) vertigo, nausia, trouble walking I stumble and fall over a lot, I have trouble concentrating and a buzzing noise in my ears that is present most of the time. Do yourself a favor and go to Ask.com and type in Arachnoid cyst and you will find the symptoms they can cause your symptoms are typical for Arachnoid cysts. My symptoms havegotten so bad I barely funtion when I get moving trying to do everyday activities. I can not do them without great difficulty. My Cyst is very small 1.7x1.2cm I do also have a large collection of CSF on my pituitary and what they call empty sella variant. I pray the best for you as I am getting the same Bull that you are getting, pray-fully they will get to the bottom of your soon. God Bless

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

Arachnoid cysts may cause pain symptoms since they can impinge on the nerves of an outer layer of the brain called the dura mater.  The pain maybe diffuse and unlocalized.  Pain medications can lessen or relieve the pain.  The fatigue and numbness may not be attributable to the cyst and you should inform your primary care physician about it.  I agree that monitoring the cyst maybe the best course of action since surgery is reserved for large cysts or for cysts that are causing debilitating symptoms (adding to the fact that brain surgery carries a significant risk).

I suggest you consult with pain-specialists to maximize pain control and to continue to follow up with your neurologist.  Take care and God bless.

[VWJennifer]

Whoever this "Doctor" is, this is to let you know that continually posting that a cyst is not the problem when we ALL have the same symptoms and *gasp* a CYST on our brain, is ridiculous.  I sincerely hope you either 1) stop posting answers or 2) actually try to figure out the similarities involved with all of us that have cysts and similar health complaints.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the cyst MUST be causing this-it is, after all, the reason we were seeking an answer-and the answer was found in the form of a CYST.

[harxmoond]

I was diagnosed a couple years back with a small cyst on the left temporal lobe. And at that time my neuro mentioned that some, if not all, of my symptoms were caused by the cysts pressing up against surrounding tissue. At that moment i had the same symptoms u had including facial, brain, and leg numbness. This was a horrifying discovery especially first thing in the morning.  The numbness often lasted anytime between a few minutes to hours.  Eventually the numbness went away but the headaches remained.  At that time my symptoms didn't warrant such an invasive surgery. However due to increasing head pressure and recurring symptoms it looks like i might have to.  

*The main concern for anyone w/ an arachnoid cyst is the possibility of hemorrhaging due to the increased size of the cysts stretching/tearing a surrounding blood vessel*

[Geo31522]

Apparently most neurologists believe that arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. I say that it’s a load of crap!!
About 8 years ago, while I was lying in bed I realized that the entire room was spinning as if I were hung over.  My wife took me to the ER and they discovered that I had an ear infection in my left ear which was the cause of my vertigo and loss of balance. I was given antibiotics to treat the infection and within 3 weeks the symptoms subsided.  Unfortunately, however, a few months later I realized that I had a persistent ringing in my ear and what felt like pressure on that side of my head.  I went to an ENT and discovered that I had severe hearing loss in my left ear along with tinnitus.  The ENT sent me to have an MRI done, where they discovered that I had an arachnoid cyst. I followed up with a neurologist and was told that the cyst “had nothing to do with my hearing loss or other symptoms.”
Well fast forward to the present and not only did the vertigo, dizziness and loss of balance return but the chronic tinnitus, and pressure in my head is worse.  Along with the fact that I now have hearing loss in my right ear as well. Another MRI explains that I have a “cystic extra-axial lesion involving the left middle cranial fossa, measuring 4.6 x 3.3 cm….” and “There is moderate mass effect on the adjacent temporal lobe.”
Once again, I was told by a neurologist that the cyst has nothing to do with my symptoms, and that I'm probably suffer from Ménière's disease.  Meanwhile the ENT can’t figure out what is wrong with me.
So I did my own research. I’ve come to discover that any kind of “mass effect” may cause symptoms due to compressions of certain structures of the the brain which can cause a number of ailments. Furthermore, a cyst can mimic a Ménière's disease attack.  
I know that the cyst is on one side of my brain and probably can’t cause bilateral hearing loss, but still it just seems too coincidental that I suffer from all of these symptoms when I don’t have anything else wrong with me. I'm frustrated and angry that no one can tell me what's wrong with me. And that health care professionals dismiss the cyst I have as the cause of my symptoms.

[Schawner]

Geo. hope your ok. I have exactly the same problem.
I had a bad motorcycle accident ten years ago. Up until recent about two years ago i had a severe vertigo episode and tunnitus in right ear for a while. Its recently come back and well what can i say its effecting everything i do.

I dont even want to leave the house.
I got diagnosed with menieres disease but 18 mnths ago had a mri and it showed a arachnoid cyst on i think right tenporal lobe.  

I think this must be the cause now from what i have read etc. my consultant in nuero science said the cyst was not much to worry a out etc but he hasnt helped much to be honest.

Be good to see how you are etc. im 28 and in england.

Regards

Steve