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 agree Pat, I do not understand why friends and family abandon others when they develop medical problems. Fear I suppose. I have been very fortunate to have not lost very many people closest to me during my illness. A couple people made themselves scarce, but not many. Most people rallied around me and checked in on me often and that was nice. Sometimes I feel like that is a big part of why I enjoy doing this; being supportive of others when they are going through their medical crisis, is because so many people "do" lose those closest to them during tough times, and at least I can offer some sort of support and let them know that even though I don't "know" them, I am hear to listen and offer support.
February 17, 2010 - 5:13amThis Comment
Hi Melanie,
I totally understand everything you say. It sure does bring back memories. I remember all that same weakness like it were yesterday. I remember saying the exact same thing about how I was only in bed 5 days, why is it so hard to walk. It felt like I hadn't walked in months and was suddenly having to re-learn it. They put me in a harness at the hospital and walked me down the hallway like a dog, so-to-speak. It was physical therapy time...and I remember feeling like, "why does walking feel so foreign?"
I suffered a "little" depression as well. I had also been told I had just gone through a major surgery as well as having my brain operated on. Sometimes these cysts can disrupt normal brain activity and in my case, it actually caused some damage because it is so large. I still battle with bouts of depression. Like my chemical balances are all messed up. But I cannot take anti-depressants because they increase problems with neurological symptoms for me, so I try to keep a positive mental outlook on my own and when I start to feel down, I try to write more and focus on my kids. I'm also going through a separation with my husband after 15 years together, and that only adds to my stress and depression at times. Writing is a huge outlet for me. I write articles for companies, I've written my auto-biography, "It's all in Your Head," that I am about to try to get published. It is the story of what I went through with my cyst, so look for it one day on the shelves. I will also let the readers know when and if I do find a publisher.
I think you will be amazed at how well you do recovering from your surgery. That Mayfield clamp is a bear though...that was probably more painful than my incisions by far. The clamps were put so tight in my scalp during the first surgery that my scalp and skull were bruised for over a month. I would use three icebags on my head at one time...one over each area where a clamp was tightened. I looked hilarious! But eventually that went away, the back problems went away, my strength came back, and with each thing that got better, it brightened my attitude and my spirits. Each day that I got closer to feeling like my old self, I grew happier. I hope the same will be for you.
Hang in there. Down the road I may be back in the same boat again and needing all you guys to lean on if I ever have this other surgery for my Chiari. I hear it's a real bear! I may be the one needing the encouragement all over again. But for now, I will offer mine to whoever needs it because I have been right where you are. And to me, people who suffer with brain defects and surgery to correct them, are some of the strongest people out there!
February 16, 2010 - 11:19amThis Comment
Maria - Thanks for your words of experience, encouragement and support for Melanie. There's nothing like having the benefit of what a fellow patient learned from their personal experience. Please rest assured that should you need another surgery there will be people there for you too, offering encouragement and support. Heck, maybe even a few jokes if you need them. Together we are all stronger!
February 16, 2010 - 5:06pmTake care, Pat
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Ahhh, you are welcome Pat. Thank you for always being so supportive of all of us. You are a wonderful person to have taken on this role with EmpowHer. It is amazing to see how many people out there in this world are going through similar situations as yourself, because at the time, you feel so isolated and alone. Like you are the "only" one. Then you hear these stories and you think, "wow! Look at all these people dealing with similar situations - similar emotions even. And you realize that you are not alone. As long as I have a breath left in me, I hope that I can help people get through similar situations as mine. I am a huge advocate now for people with any medical condition really, but most definitely rare brain problems and especially cysts. It's such an unknown, and still not-so-chartered water in the medical field. So many doctors either know nothing about brain cysts, or know nothing at all. I feel so fortunate to have found my doctor, as I'm sure many of these families, and women are so grateful to have found their physician.
Anyways, I appreciate your kind words...always. If there is ever anyone I can write to, encourage, or you feel like I could help, please let me know. I will always be more than happy to help!
February 16, 2010 - 6:24pmTake care and God bless!
Maria
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It's my pleasure Maria. A good friend of mine is dealing with a brain tumor. Many of his other friends have abandoned him, which I just don't understand. He is still the great person he always was, and some of the people who aren't around today benefited from his support in the past. Like you I believe in doing unto others as you would want people to do unto you.
February 16, 2010 - 6:47pmThis Comment
I called my doctors office and was told that the depression was only temporary - i went through a major surgery and it is going to take time for my body to heal. the weakness in my legs is normal, even though it was only 5 days that i was in bed. I am only to worry if the weakness gets worse and more frequent. As you were Maria - i too was in a clamp - my head is still sore from that. i have not had any issues with my back, other than what i normally do (i had part of my L5 removed a few years back) and hope it stays that way. It is hard, but i will try not to push myself, and only do what i feel that i can. I am normally a go go go person so this is extremely difficult for me.........
February 16, 2010 - 9:54amThis Comment
Hi Melanie,
Thank you for updating everyone. I was just thinking of you recently and hoping and praying you were recovering okay. I am so glad everything went well. It is all good news! But reading your latest entry got me to remembering my first surgery and how weak I was when I came out of mine and I was only under anesthesia 3 1/2 hours. I could hardly walk for quite a while....weeks and weeks, and was so incredibly weak. I also had back trouble where my back was in excruciating pain, and later found out it was due to how they had me positioned on the operating table. They put my head in a 3-point Mayfield clamp which keeps your head completely immobile during the procedure. But having it in the clamp; my neck, head, and back were out of alignment. It seemed like it was taking forever to be able walk normal again, get my strength back, and just feel human. I am not 100% sure that is all you are dealing with, you should always let your doctors know your concerns, but it certainly could be playing a role.
I wish you the best of luck in your recovery. One thing I learned, and learned well after both of my surgeries was to be patient with myself. Whenever I got too anxious and felt like I should be "here" in my recovery and wasn't, I was getting a little upset. By my second surgery I realized that my body was going to heal at its pace, and not to push it. So long as I was patient with myself, and did not set too high of expectations, I did okay. I did set goals, but even if I missed them, I realized my body was just going through a lot and patience was the best gift I could give it.
I wish you very well in your recovery. If there is ever any question as to what is "normal" or not, never feel bad about contacting your doctor, or his nurse. I leaned on my doctor's office a lot during both healing processes.
You'll probably find that you make bigger steps in your healing process if you just do not push yourself, but let your body tell "you" what it is ready for. Good luck and take care of yourself.
Good luck and God bless!
February 16, 2010 - 9:00amThis Comment
Hi Melanie - It's so wonderful to hear from you and to know your surgery went well. It sounds like you had a very skilled, caring surgeon and you're handling the recovery process well. Did your family and friends rally around you, and are they continuing to provide support? In addition to the effects of the surgery, your body is also going to need time to adjust from the impact of the various medications used during the process, including the anesthesia. While you're probably wanting to just get up and go, it's going to take a while.
Have you talked to your surgeon or your primary care physician about your depression and difficulty in walking? We aren't able to diagnose your condition, and your medical team would be your best resource for information. If this is normal they can let you know. If this is not normal they would want to see you and assist you. Brain surgery has many impacts and they should be able to help you understand both the short and long term affects that removal of the tumor is going to have. The bottom line though is that you've successfully gone through life-saving surgery and there's a great future ahead of you. All you need now is more information to help you through the transition phase. Can you let us know what your doctor says?
February 16, 2010 - 8:13amAll the best, Pat
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Hello there! i finally feel well enough to get on the computer - I wanted to give you all an update and also get your input on an issue that i am having.
February 16, 2010 - 7:35amMy surgery went well, i was in for only 6 hours. The surgeon was concerned that my epidermoid tumor had meshed itself into the brain and he feared that he would have to leave some of the casing. this would mean that i would have to have surgery again in about 15 to 20 years, as leaving the casing - the tumor would grow back. Well, thanks to all the prayers and the good Lords healing hand, the tumor "popped" right out! it is completely gone and as a result, will not come back. I was in the hospital for a week, no walker, no cane, no nothing to bring home with me. It has taken these past three weeks to regain enough strength in my neck to hold my head up for longer than 20 minutes before i have to rest it. I drove for the first time today, was "weird" lol. I am trying to get back into the swing of things. I don't go back to work until the 25th, and then only for 4 hours for a week, then 6, then 8.
This past weekend, i did suffer some extensive depression however. My issue, the one that i need your advise and input on, is that there are days where my legs cannot even hold up my body weight and it is an effort just to walk across the room. I was crying uncontrollably this weekend as i feel so helpless when this happens. I was only in the hospital for a week, so i don't understand why my legs are doing this. My upper body is fine (arms, legs, etc) Is this normal?
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Melanie,
I also want to wish you well. I"ve followed your story and updates here and I know it has been a rough path. But I think that all your experiences up to this time will serve you well, and you will be better able to cope than many people. Just thinking about what you are balancing this week makes me tired!
Take care of you -- I know you are -- and know that our thoughts and wishes are there with you Monday. I hope that all goes smoothly and well. I too will be waiting for your updates as soon as you feel good enough to write them.
January 20, 2010 - 10:52amThis Comment