Pediatric Arachnoid Cyst

Summary

The most common type of brain cyst, arachnoid cysts can be congenital (present at birth) or caused by trauma.

Expanded overview

Arachnoid cysts are the most common type of brain cyst (fluid-filled sacs). Experts believe that arachnoid cysts occur due to a split of the arachnoid membrane, which is one of the three layers of tissue surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord. Arachnoid cysts occur four times more often in males than in females.

Types

There are two main types of arachnoid cysts:

• Primary arachnoid cyst – These are congenital (present at birth) cysts.
• Secondary arachnoid cyst – These are cysts that are caused by head injury or trauma sometime after birth.

Symptoms

Some arachnoid cysts never cause any complications. However, in other cases, the pressure on the brain can cause symptoms, such as:

• Delays in development
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache
• Hormone-related issues, such as early onset puberty
• Hydrocephalus (pressure in the brain caused by increased fluid)
• Involuntary (cannot be controlled) head bobbing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Problems with vision
• Seizures
• Visible lumps or protrusions from the head or spine