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Symptomatic Arachnoid Cyst

I have a congenital arachnoid cyst on the right parietal region of my brain. It has been associated with localized atrophy of the brain hemisphere, thinning of the adjacent inner table of the skull, and mild mass effect on the adjacent brain. It seems to vary in size every time I get it examined: one time it measured 3.8 cm in AP dimension, 1.8 cm in transverse dimension, and 3.8 cm in craniocaudal dimension and next time it measured 4.5 x 2.3 x 4.1.

I have suffered from a myriad of symptoms ranging from daily headaches (ranging from my forehead to the back of my head) to cognitive issues for as long as I can remember..I'm 27 now. Regardless of what treatment has been prescribed, nothing to seems to alleviate my symptoms. Most doctors have labeled it asymptomatic and claim that its unrelated to my current symptoms. They also claim that many people are born with arachnoid cysts and don't even know it. I disagree with their assessment and believe that it is causing my symptoms, especially considering all the failed treatments in the past.

The only doctor that has seemed to agree with me is a neurosurgeon at Cedars-Sinai in California. He wanted to perform surgery to remove the cyst.

I realize that moderators and fellow peers are not doctors and are unable to provide medical advice, but I am open to any feedback you may be able to provide.

Thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.
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13942382 tn?1432167955
Several month old post but not everyones cyst lies in the parietal lobe. Mine is in the left parietal causing a slight midline shift and engulfing veins. It measures 4cm x 3 x 1.5 but neuros say its stable. I just had to be admitted to Er for headache , nausea and fatigue that would not leave. The ER Doc said to tell my neuro to get it out and sent him a letter after viewing it. I went to see neuros and they offered muscle relaxers. Its like they want you to forget daily symptoms and move onm anyway hope u have found help
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Avatar universal
Thanks for all your help, John. I will use the knowledge you provided when consulting neurologists in the future.

I wish you nothing but the best this holiday season and thereafter.    
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1780921 tn?1499301793
You could always ask them if they ever heard of the: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. If they have, have them go to there website:

www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/arachnoid_cysts/arachnoid_cysts.htm

According to the Institute: "Typical symptoms of an arachnoid cyst around the brain include headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures, hearing and visual disturbances, vertigo, and difficulties with balance and walking.  Arachnoid cysts around the spinal cord compress the spinal cord or nerve roots and cause symptoms such as progressive back and leg pain and tingling or numbness in the legs or arms."

As for me I now have seizures and short term memory problems because of the brain damage the cyst caused. I had to have 2 surgeries before my surgeon was able to remove everything, because it was growing back.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your reply, John.

I'm definitely considering getting a second and maybe even a third opinion about my cyst. However, the neurologists in this area are convinced that all arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic.

Did your symptoms subside once your cyst was removed? Also, did your neurosurgeon talk to you about the possibility of your cyst ever growing back after surgery?
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1780921 tn?1499301793
I happen to agree with the neurosurgeon at Cedars-Sinai. If the cyst is causing you physical problems then I would want it removed before anything gets worse. I had a dermoid  cyst in my right temporal lobe about the same size as yours and it was causing me physical problems.

The damage that was done from my tumor is permanent. I would check to see if the damage that was done in your case is going to be permanent or if you can "recover" and just go from their.

Hope this helps you some
John
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