Arachnoid Cyst Right Temporal Lobe Help

[Hailey2]

I was diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst on my temporal lobe (right side). I am a 30 year old woman. I was diagnosed recently with depression but my symptoms are not clear cut, 1 symptom is bipolar...nothing else. I read that sometimes an arachnoid cyst on the middle crania fossa can present with bipolar symptoms. I had a non-contrast MRI 2 years ago and was told it had probably been there since birth from my primary care physician. Should I see a neurologist and how do I find someone who specializes in this?

Thank you, Hailey2

[Hailey2]

Thanks for your help. I was in a car accident 10 years ago and am still dealing with neck and head pain from the accident. I do have all symptoms mentioned but intermittently - such as dropping a soda can b/c I forget I'm holding it for a second and numbness in my left arm but not my right so I will see a neurologist. Thanks. Hailey2.

[Finst385]

Hailey, how did you get on with this? I have an arachnoid cyst on my right temporal pole and I'm convinced I sustained it from a double blow to my head 19 years ago. I fell ill in November 2016 and a week later was in hospital with a suspected stroke. I'm convinced this is connected. I'm currently displaying symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraines but my Neuro insists my cyst is not bothersome x

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi.
Arachnoid cysts are developmental malformations in the brain, which usually remain asymptomatic even if the cyst is quite large.
However, minor head trauma can damage the existing cyst, leading to some complications. This gives rise to symptoms of raised intracranial pressure and nerve compression such a headache, visual disturbances, seizures, weakness or paralysis on one half of the body) and loss of muscle control. Frontal arachnoid cysts have been associated with depression.
They are generally incidental findings on MRI scans. Some other tests could be mini mental state examination (MMSE) and cognitive questionnaires. Treatment is however controversial. There is difference of opinion among clinicians whether to treat only patients with symptomatic cysts or even asymptomatic patients also require treatment.
You should discuss treatment options with your neurosurgeon, which may include anything from no intervention to surgical decompression to excision of the cyst to provide relief from symptoms. He would also be able to assess if any other factor is responsible for your depression.
Hope this gives you some insight.