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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: arachnoid cyst
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Re: arachnoid cyst
by CCF Neurology W6 MD, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF Neurology W6 MD on December 04, 1998 at 16:35:10:
In Reply to: arachnoid cyst posted by Jeanne M. on December 03, 1998 at 20:21:39:
My 3 year old daughter was in neurology last month for me to have some questions answered. This was my 3rd appointment since her birth, she has had an MRI at 6 mos. of age, and an MRI at 23 mos. of age. The neurologist seemed to be holding back on me but he refused to cough up additional information. On a hunch, I requested her MRI records. Her last MRI which was done 1 1/2 yrs ago, stated that a new "1 CM lesion posterior to the left choroidal fissure most likely representing an arachoid cyst had appeared since her last MRI. A follow up MRI was recommended in 6 mos." We were never told of this and so of course she has not had another MRI. Because she has CHARGE Syndrome (a very rare genetic defect), her development is severely atypical so I am unsure what symptoms could be due to CHARGE or due to the possible cyst. She is hypotonic, severe sensory integration problems (very poor auditory and visual perception problems, poor balance, etc.), a very poor sleeper (the dr. has us giving her Benedryl and Melatonin and she still wakes often in the night with great difficulty falling back asleep), she has poor language (pragmatic) skills (though an incredible vocabulary and amazing memory--she seems almost autistic savant), her nystagmus and previously repaired esotropia and nystagmus have gotten worse, no attention span on demand, the list goes on.
From reading about cysts on the internet, it's obvious that we need a second opinion and it appears that a shunt or fenestration would be our options (correct?) Is there any way of knowing how many of the problems listed above could be due to the cyst? Would the symptoms go away if and when she has treatment for the cyst, and is there a possibility she could catch up or would there be permanent damage from the cyst? Do cysts grow? Are we in danger of it rupturing (our appointment for the 2nd opinion is not for 2 long weeks). Is there any immediate danger until our appointment? What is the typical recovery time for a young child having neurosurgery inpatient and outpatient? She is facing a 3rd corrective surgery on the esotropia, should we hold off on this until after the cyst is treated? Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and expertise.
=
Dear Jeane,
thank you for your question.
Arachnoid cyst is usually congenital (present since birth) and mostly
asymptomatic. Your baby has symptoms that I don't think can be explained
solely by the cyst. First of all as I said above, these cysts are usually
benign and do not cause symptoms. I said usually, because occasionally
large arachnoid cysts can produce symptoms (compression of vital
structure). In those cases, surgery may be indicated.
So in short, although I can't say with 100% certainty without examining
your baby and looking at the MRI, I don't think the cyst is the major
source of your baby's problems. Corrective eye surgery can be undertaken
safely without first removing the cyst. Good luck
In Reply to: arachnoid cyst posted by Jeanne M. on December 03, 1998 at 20:21:39:
My 3 year old daughter was in neurology last month for me to have some questions answered. This was my 3rd appointment since her birth, she has had an MRI at 6 mos. of age, and an MRI at 23 mos. of age. The neurologist seemed to be holding back on me but he refused to cough up additional information. On a hunch, I requested her MRI records. Her last MRI which was done 1 1/2 yrs ago, stated that a new "1 CM lesion posterior to the left choroidal fissure most likely representing an arachoid cyst had appeared since her last MRI. A follow up MRI was recommended in 6 mos." We were never told of this and so of course she has not had another MRI. Because she has CHARGE Syndrome (a very rare genetic defect), her development is severely atypical so I am unsure what symptoms could be due to CHARGE or due to the possible cyst. She is hypotonic, severe sensory integration problems (very poor auditory and visual perception problems, poor balance, etc.), a very poor sleeper (the dr. has us giving her Benedryl and Melatonin and she still wakes often in the night with great difficulty falling back asleep), she has poor language (pragmatic) skills (though an incredible vocabulary and amazing memory--she seems almost autistic savant), her nystagmus and previously repaired esotropia and nystagmus have gotten worse, no attention span on demand, the list goes on.
From reading about cysts on the internet, it's obvious that we need a second opinion and it appears that a shunt or fenestration would be our options (correct?) Is there any way of knowing how many of the problems listed above could be due to the cyst? Would the symptoms go away if and when she has treatment for the cyst, and is there a possibility she could catch up or would there be permanent damage from the cyst? Do cysts grow? Are we in danger of it rupturing (our appointment for the 2nd opinion is not for 2 long weeks). Is there any immediate danger until our appointment? What is the typical recovery time for a young child having neurosurgery inpatient and outpatient? She is facing a 3rd corrective surgery on the esotropia, should we hold off on this until after the cyst is treated? Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and expertise.
=
Dear Jeane,
thank you for your question.
Arachnoid cyst is usually congenital (present since birth) and mostly
asymptomatic. Your baby has symptoms that I don't think can be explained
solely by the cyst. First of all as I said above, these cysts are usually
benign and do not cause symptoms. I said usually, because occasionally
large arachnoid cysts can produce symptoms (compression of vital
structure). In those cases, surgery may be indicated.
So in short, although I can't say with 100% certainty without examining
your baby and looking at the MRI, I don't think the cyst is the major
source of your baby's problems. Corrective eye surgery can be undertaken
safely without first removing the cyst. Good luck
