Florida Gators' Football Coach, Urban Meyer Has an Arachnoid Brain Cyst and Possible Heart Problems

Just when things were going perfectly, and all his hard work was starting to pay off, he resigned. Then he changed his plans and decided on an indefinite leave of absence due to health problems. Urban Meyer, 45, Coach of the Florida Gators and one of the most successful coaches in college football history has an arachnoid brain cyst and possible heart problems. The wear and tear of being one of the best paid and well respected college football coaches in the US has taken its toll on his health. He is a dedicated man. He sees his job as not only to win games, but to shape the lives of the young men he coaches.

Known and admired for his skill, talent and workaholic lifestyle, Urban Meyer and his family are paying a high price. The price is Urban Meyer's health. Although not confirmed by the 45 year old Mr. Meyer, ClickOrlando.com reported that Meyer suffered a heart attack this year. He also checked himself into a hospital in Gainesville Florida. Those who work with him have reported that Meyer suffers from searing headaches and frequent chest pains.

Sports Illustrated recently profiled Mr. Meyer and said that he was diagnosed with an arachnoid brain cyst in 1998. Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid cysts that are located between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane. The arachnoid membrane is one of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Arachnoid cysts may be present at birth or may develop later in life as a result from trauma, meningitis, brain tumor or surgery. Most individuals develop symptoms before the age of 20. Some never have symptoms. Males are four times more likely to get arachnoid cysts than females.

Symptoms of an arachnoid cyst near the brain are headaches, vomiting, nausea, seizures, behavioral changes, vertigo, vision and hearing disturbances. Symptoms of an arachnoid cyst near the spinal chord include back, leg and arm pain as well as numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. There is difficulty obtaining balance and in walking.

Diagnosis of an arachnoid cyst is made by a brain scan and a MRI. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the cyst is small and causing no difficulty doctors may do nothing but wait and see. However, today with microsurgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques, many doctors opt to open up the cysts and let the fluid drain out and get absorbed by the body.

The prognosis depends on the severity of symptoms and the size and location of the cyst. If the cyst expands or bursts, brain or spinal chord damage can occur. Treatment usually resolves the difficulties, or greatly improves the situation. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research and clinical trials to find better ways to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure arachnoid cysts.

Doctors have told Meyer that although not life threatening, his symptoms would continue to flare up due to stress. Meyer's wife Shirley is quoted as saying, "I know you want to be head coach, but if it is going to make you sick, old and crazy, I don't want you to be head coach." Meyer's children agree.

Sources:

TBO.com

Wikipedia

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/