A posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst is a cyst that grows on the back of the brain. It can compromise the cerebellum and the brain stem..
An arachnoid cyst is a fluid filled sac that develops primarily in the uterus during the development of the brain and skull. The arachnoid membrane of the brain splits, and the split space fills with fluid known as cerebral spinal fluid. The fluid will enter the split area, but it cannot escape at the same rate as it enters. Because of this, the cyst will grow over time. The growth rate depends on many factors, but even as it grows, more times than not, the cyst will remain asymptomatic. This means that generally, an arachnoid cyst will not cause any symptoms.
Arachnoid cysts can grow anywhere on the brain with the primary areas being the side of the brain, and the top of the brain. When a cyst forms on the back of the brain, this is called a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. A posterior fossa arachnoid cyst can create pressure on the brain stem and the cerebellum. These are extremely vital organs of the brain and they both produce tremendous functions that are required to live.
The brain stem controls a lot of our everyday functions that we do not even think about. One thing it controls is our body temperature. It controls our diaphragm for breathing, and it is where our hunger and thirst are controlled. It is also the path in which all our nerves leave the brain and travel throughout the body. The brain stem controls our pain, it is also where the nausea center is based, and it plays a role in the regulation of our hearts.
The cerebellum; on the other hand, helps control our balance. It plays a role in the reflex of our muscles, and plays a major role in our motor skills. Both parts of the brain have their very specific tasks, and when either one is compromised, it can reek havoc on the entire body.
If treatment is needed for an arachnoid cyst, usually the first choice is a fenestration of the cyst. This means going into the brain with a wand and opening up any walls that may have formed inside the cyst. These walls trap the fluid inside the cyst. The idea of this procedure is to get all the cerebral spinal fluid flowing in and out of the cyst efficiently so that the cyst does not continue to grow. If this procedure does not work, a neurosurgeon may decide to put a shunt in. A shunt helps to keep the cyst draining and not allow fluid to build up inside. If the cyst is small enough and in a space on the brain that is not too dangerous to remove, the neurosurgeon may be able to remove it altogether.
Symptoms can show themselves in many ways; from balance problems, nausea, vomiting, headaches, even seizures. Many cysts are discovered on accident when having a scan for another reason. They can be seen on Cat Scan, but the preferred diagnostic test for a brain cyst, is an MRI.
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i'm personaly had two operation for a this type of cyst; one at the age of 11 and revently a the age of 35.
both operation where succussful, however the second had the advantage of time. By which i mean brain surgery has developed to a far greater degree and with the use of MRI position and miniture lasers its a far safer procedure than ever.
It's amazing what they can do today. I hope yours were successful. I had to have a shunt put in after my surgery and the shunt over drained for 6 months which left me with a sagging brain and a chiari malformatio (brain herniates into the spine). So I still have problems and am facing another potential brain surgery in the future to correct the chiari, with hopes that it does not make the sagging worse. Where was your cyst? Did they remove it or do you still have it? How are you today?
Thanks for your feedback,
Maria
Hi
I thought I would just update you, current I’m nearly four months after surgery and have been back to work, as a web programmer, for nearly two months. I would have been back to work earlier, and in fact I was back after a month. However, this only lasted a week until I got complication; Chemical meningitis possible aggravated by an infection, this cleared up after a stay in hospital.
Thought I did catch an infection for my local hospital, before I was transferred to the specialist hospital in London; the National. This secondary infection has cleared up, eventually; after a case of thrombosis thought. Right now my third nerve palsy is improving, especially in the last couple of week. Of course it’s never that simple, as I now have to cope as my brain returning to a more normal state, and at a quicker rate; which is traumatic in it’s self.
My future is uncertain as I’m not sure, however I will ask if I can be referred to a neuro-physiologist when I next see my specialist. But the point is I survived and I still recovered very quickly; it’s unlikely I be 100%, but then again I never was so It all up hill from now.
Anyway I hope all goes well for you and just remember the best route to recovery is to stay positive and active; being fit helped my cope with the surgery.
Hi Anon - Thanks for getting in touch again and providing this update. It's good to know you're back at work and moving forward in your recovery. I love your attitude and that you're taking the time to inspire others. Best wishes to you, and please stay in touch.
Take good care,
Pat
My 4 year old son has a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. He has global developmental delay, didn't walk until almost 2 and qualifies for pediatric therapies (pt, ot, speech) across the board. He has muscular problems and has now been found to suffer focal seizures. Problem is that I can't find a neurologist that believes this to be the cause of my sons problems. Do you know of any pediatric neurologists/neurosurgeons we could turn to? Thanks in advance.