Re: Arachnoid cyst

Posted By CCF NSG MD /gsh on July 21, 1998 at 12:23:54:

In Reply to: Re: Arachnoid cyst posted by s. gerhard on July 20, 1998 at 15:10:02:






My 3 yo son gets throw-up sick about every 4 weeks.  No one else in the family does.  A gastroentologist believes this is cyclic vomitting caused by abdominal mmigraines.  She had a head ct done and an arachnoid cyst was found. She does not think that this has anything to do with his vomiting.
My question is;  should an eye be kept on this cyst? are there any other questions  I should be asking the doctors about this?  How concerned should I be?
Thank you very much,
Jane
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Dear Jane,
Arachnoid cysts are congenital collections of fluid on the brain that range
from small and asymptomatic to quite large and symptomatic.  Congenital means
your son was born with it.  The concern here is that monthly bouts of vomiting
could be signs of intermittent hydrocephalus.  A CT scan or MRI would easily
diagnose this.  Your physician should be able to tell you whether the arachnoid
cyst is causing your son's symptoms.  It is difficult to say over the internet
without seeing the scans and examining your son.  Symptomatic arachnoid cysts
are treated with either needle drainage, fenestration (internal drainage) or
shunt placement.
Speak to a neurologist to see whether he thinks the arachnoid cyst is symptomatic.  
Most can simply be followed clinically without surgery.
Good luck.