Cyst of the brain is a rather dangerous diagnosis, which can lead to serious consequences. There are several types of cysts of the brain, among which there are more often archanoidal and retrocerebellar.
The arachnoid cerebral cyst is a benign thin-walled neoplasm, filled with liquid (liquor). The cyst envelope can consist of the cells of the arachnoid (arachnoid) membrane of the brain or of scar arachnoid tissue (acquired cyst). Such neoplasms often are not single and located between the arachnoid and the surface of the medulla. At the same time, the inner cyst membrane contacts the soft shell of the brain, and the outer membrane is attached to the dura mater.
The causes of the formation of the arachnoid cyst of the brain
By origin, the primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired) and arachnoid cysts are distinguished.
Primary arachnoid cysts are formed due to disruption of the formation of the subarachnoid space or arachnoid membrane, which is associated with pathologies in the early stages of pregnancy. As a result, the arachnoid membrane splits and is filled with a liquid that is similar in composition to the cerebrospinal fluid.
Secondary arachnoid cysts are a consequence of craniocerebral trauma, cerebral surgeries, subarachnoid hemorrhages, pathologies associated with inflammatory processes in the brain. Also, these neoplasms can occur in the absence of corpus callosum (agenesia), Marfan syndrome, etc.
Symptoms of the arachnoid cyst of the brain
With small dimensions of the arachnoid cyst of the brain, its presence in most cases is not expressed by clinical symptoms. If the cyst reaches a considerable size, then there are characteristic signs on which it is possible to suspect a pathology:
- frequent dizziness;
- headache;
- fainting ;
- sensation of pulsation, raspiraniya in the head;
- nausea, vomiting;
- hallucinations;
- impaired coordination, hearing and vision;
- cramps, numbness of the extremities.
The nature and severity of the symptoms depend on the location of the cyst, the intensity of compression of the tissues and the violation of the outflow of the cerebral fluid. In the case of a secondary arachnoid cyst, the clinical picture can be supplemented with manifestations of the underlying disease or injury.
Treatment of the arachnoid cyst of the brain
If the arachnoid cyst is small, does not increase in size, does not modify, does not pose a threat to health, then it is enough to constantly monitor it to prevent complications. In such cases, the patient is put on dispensary records and by computer or magnetic resonance imaging, the size of the cyst is regularly monitored.
It is important to identify the cause of the neoplasm and, if possible, to treat the underlying disease. Also, supportive preventive therapy may be prescribed to stabilize intracranial pressure and improve blood supply to the brain.
Surgical removal of the arachnoid cyst of the brain is indicated in the following cases:
- rapid increase in cyst in size;
- cyst rupture;
- development of hydrocephalus;
- hemorrhages in the brain;
- increased intracranial pressure ;
- defeat of the structures of the brain located near the cyst.
The main methods of surgical treatment of arachnoid cyst are:
- drainage (removal of fluid from the cavity by means of needle aspiration);
- shunting (creation of drainage for outflow of fluid);
- excising cysts.