A Neurosurgeon Can Help With Arachnoid Cysts

16 October 2014

Jaime Allen

There is not a lot of extra space between the brain and the skull, not even room for a cyst. A cyst is a noncancerous growth, which consists of a sack filled with some kind of liquid. Due to congenital defects, cysts can sometimes form in the arachnoid membrane that sheathes the brain. When this happens, the cyst can create pressure, which can lead to other problems. In order for a person suffering from a cyst to have a good quality of life, they will need neurosurgery. 

Symptoms of an Arachnoid Cyst

A cyst in your skin is easy to detect because you can see and/or feel a pea-like growth. However, because of the location of an arachnoid cyst, you might not even know that it is there until symptoms start showing up. 

The symptoms of a cyst depend somewhat on the location of the cyst and thus what areas of the brain are under pressure. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, head bobbing, visual impairment, seizures, or lethargy. These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, so in order for a doctor to know whether you have a cyst or not, you will need to undergo other tests. 

Treatments

In order to relieve the pressure caused by an arachnoid cyst, a neurosurgeon will have to drill a hole through your skull. The simplest way to relieve pressure is to simply drain the cyst. However, if you only drain a cyst, there is a chance that it can refill with fluid, and you will have to drain the cyst again in the future. The main advantage of this treatment is that only a small hole has to be drilled in your skull.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you might consider a craniotomy, which means a surgeon removes a small piece of your skull to gain access to the cyst, which can then be removed so that it doesn't refill and cause problems later. However, a craniotomy is a much more invasive procedure than drilling a hole to drain your brain.

Congenital defects are only one issue that can effect the brain. In centuries past, issues with the brain were nearly untreatable. However, thanks to modern medicine, there is a way to take care of many brain problems. While you might never want to have to go in for neurosurgery, it is still a comfort to know that it is there should you need it. For more information on neurosurgery, contact a practice such as Texas Neurosurgery, LLP.

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