Newly diagnosed with AC

[Landj0692]

My 17 yr old son, has recently been diagnosed with AC.  I took him into the ER saturday evening, because of an injury, he fell off of a 4 wheeler.  The ER dr, requested a CT scan, and that is how she found it.  She did explain that this cyst had nothing to do with the accident.  And that it has been there already.  We had no idea my son had this. We are now waiting to see a neurologist.  My question is-- anyone that has this disease, did you you have emotional problems?  I mean  my son can be the most kind hearted, loving individual, then in a split second he can be the most scareous individual.  He wants everything his way, has tantrums, outburst.  He has been seeing a therapist now for 9 months, about his anger control.  After doing some reading on AC, he has at least displayed about 6 symptoms.  My plan now is to speak with his therapist and see what we can do next.  If there is another parent out there that has experienced anything like this, i would appreciate hearing from you.  Thanks, cj

[caregiver222]

There is another treatment called stereotactic radiation which is advocated by some neurologists. Radiation beams from different angles come in to shrink the mass.

[CarriePossum]

Hi Mark,
I "spoke" with you last winter about my AC. Just wondering how you are doing now. I'm not real good at navigating MedHelp to see if you already wrote about your story, but I am interested to know what your symptoms are and if you have considered surgery, etc. My left arm/hand are much better now; however, I have lost some dexterity and still get stabbing pains in my hand. I'm still waiting for my Medicare to kick in in September...after the long 2 year waiting period since I became disabled. It's been a BIG struggle doing without health insurance since I had to stop working because of my health problems in March '08.
I hope to hear from you.
Thanks,
Carrie

[rsox34]

Arachnoid cysts can cause "emotional problems" when they are located in specific sections of the brain.  People with AC's located in the frontal lobe area are known to have behavioral/emotional issues.  My nephew had one of his AC's located in the Frontal Lobe area and his behavior became a growing concern to my sister.  My nephew had his AC fenestrated last year.

I recommend you join a couple of groups that focus on people with Arachnoid Cysts.  You should join the Arachnoid Cyst Awareness Network (www.arachnoidcystnetwork.com) and if you are on FACEBOOK there are a couple of groups there including the AC Awareness Network and Arachnoid Cyst Friends.  You will find many people who are like you and your son who are trying to deal with a new diagnosis of an AC.  Many people find out about their AC's after incidents like your son had.  

I myself have a large AC that affects my midbrain, cerebellum, and posterior fossa and have hydrocephalus of the third and lateral ventricles..

Mark

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Arachnoid cyst is a brain cyst that may remain asymptomatic for long years. But if it is large it can cause headache, paralysis, seizures and gait disorders. Therefore, surgical intervention is essential to remove the large cyst and if permanent damage needs to be avoided.  Craniotomy, needle aspiration and cerebral shunts are common surgical treatment that may help.  Please consult a neurologist right away in this regard. Hope this helps.