Are You at Risk for Developing an Arachnoid Cyst?

Recently, a friend of my aunt's, went to the hospital suffering from headaches and dizziness. After being thoroughly examined she discovered that she had an Arachnoid Cyst. I know many of you may not recognize this term as it is a rare condition. I have decided to write this article to raise awareness and shed a little light on this condition. There are so many aspects of this anomaly and I will try and give you the basic run down of all sides to this medical puzzle.

Arachnoid Cyst: What is it?

NINDS, or 'National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke', has been able to explain pretty much all there is to know about the Arachnoid Cyst. They elucidate all facets quite clearly and also offer research news and all of the treatments available.

"Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs that are located between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane, one of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Primary arachnoid cystsare present at birth and are the result of developmental abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord that arise during the early weeks of gestation. Secondary arachnoid cysts are not as common as primary cysts and develop as a result of head injury, meningitis, or tumors, or as a complication of brain surgery. The majority of arachnoid cysts form outside the temporal lobe of the brain in an area of the skull known as the middle crania fossa. Arachnoid cysts involving the spinal cord are rarer. The location and size of the cyst determine the symptoms and when those symptoms begin. Most individuals with arachnoid cysts develop symptoms before the age of 20, and especially during the first year of life, but some people with arachnoid cysts never have symptoms. Males are four times more likely to have arachnoid cysts than females."

There are stages a person will go through when afflicted with an Arachnoid Cyst according to Catherine Clay of The 'AC' (Arachnoid Cyst) Foundation. Here is what has been said about the problems that will be endured by all those who suffer:

"Stage I: birth-10 years

These are theories which I have gathered from experiences and listening to you. Children tend to have temper tantrums. The only thing worse are teens. To calm an AC child down get their favorite toy and give it to them to cuddle. That and being talked kindly to and caressing will try to soothe what is being irritated. Maybe they have too much CSF putting pressure on their brain. They can't tell you this. You can only see it through their actions and behavior. I know once upon a time when I felt that bad I drank some cough syrup and it seemed to help soothe my irritated membrane. POSITIVE reinforcement is key. Developmental delays and being extremely gifted are back handed compliments. Work out the delays to balance the gifts so the child can learn better coping skills.

Inability to sleep begins in childhood.

Stage II: 10-20 years

AC teens are volatile, confused, and have hard times relating to others. Things have to go their way or they blow their tops. Some concepts are easy to understand where as cleaning and other things might not make sense. If you have hyper pituitarism you can be nutty. I do not advise anyone under the age of 18 (especially if you were diagnosed early) to engage in use of hardcore drugs like cocaine or acid or mushrooms as they cause you to have further long term damage.

Numbness in the hands and feet begin in this stage as does pain. Depression can happen and I recommend that a patient receives mental health help to learn how to cope with the ups and downs of life without throwing yourself into the storm so you can get the maximum benefit with minimum effort.

Stage III: 20-30 years:

This is when you start to show signs of intracranial hypertension and act nutty if you have not received the proper medical treatment.

Stage IV: 30-40 years:
Pain, confusion, forgetfulness, numbness, tingling, and paralysis."

Arachnoid Cyst: When Should a Person Be Checked?

According to the Skull Base Institute, a highly respected and reputable organization, the staff can offer some information about the symptoms a person may experience if they are suffering from an Arachnoid Cyst.

"Symptoms of an intracranial arachnoid cyst are related to the cyst's size and location. Small cysts are usually asymptomatic and are discovered only incidentally. Due to their benign nature and slow expansion, congenital intracranial arachnoid cysts may remain asymptomatic, produce only subtle symptoms and signs or result in mild neurological impairment relative to their large size. Large cysts may cause cranial deformation or macrocephaly (enlargement of the head) in newborns, or produce such symptoms as headaches, epileptic seizures, hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid), increased intracranial pressure, developmental delay, and behavioral changes. Less commonly they may present with focal signs suggestive of their location such as visual affection or endocrinopathies due to sellar and suprasellar arachnoid cysts. Other symptoms may include hemiparesis (weakness or paralysis on one side of the body) and ataxia (lack of muscle control)."

Arachnoid Cyst: Conclusion

The bottom line is this; if you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or ADD/ADHD, then you may want to get a second opinion and ask that your doctor specifically test you for an Arachnoid Cyst. Should you or a person you know suffer from any of the symptoms listed here please seek medical help immediately as you can save yourself much pain and discomfort as the condition worsens.