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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sorry another question , can this cause u to be cold all the time
March 4, 2015 - 2:07pmThis Comment
Your brain stem helps control and regulate your body temperature so if your brain stem is having pressure being put on it and is compromised, it can cause temperature issues with your body. I had problems with it, bouncing back and forth between too hot or too cold.
March 9, 2015 - 5:57pmThis Comment
I came across this website trying to find anyone out there who was experiencing what I'm going through. I read through a lot of the comments and I didn't see anyone mention epilepsy. Does anyone have epilepsy from a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst?
I'm unaware of the size of my cyst since none of my doctors have been very forthcoming. I saw a neurosurgeon about 4 years ago who said they would put in a shunt if my symptoms got too bad but they wanted to wait to do brain surgery as a last resort.
My cyst was found by mistake at the ER in 2008 when I was 22 years old after I had a concussion. Two months later I was found unresponsive in my bathroom after having a grand mal seizure in the shower. I had 5 in one night and they had to revive me 3 times. I don't understand how after 22 years I developed epilepsy.
Well it's been 6 years and I now have extreme neuropathy from all this and I'm curious if having the shunt put in place will help. Along with neuropathy I have nausea, vertigo, loss of hearing/ringing in my ears, memory/lack of focus, insomnia, fainting, my body can't regulate temperature (I'm freezing in 80 degree weather and then randomly I will be overheated and my face turns beet red from being so hot when I shouldn't be), lack of appetite yet weight gain and the list goes on. My whole body seems to be off kilter.
The doctors act like I'm making things up or it's "all in my head". I'm not sure what to do. I've been bounced around from neurologist to neurologist because of my insurance. I live in Texas if anyone could recommend any doctors or have any suggestions period it would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has similar stories I'd like to hear. I feel alone in all of this.
-Jessica
January 19, 2015 - 12:26amThis Comment
If you were fine the first 22 years I think youre ok now and most of it is mental. Most of the problems start at a earlier age.
August 30, 2015 - 3:39pmThis Comment
Hello Jessica,
January 19, 2015 - 6:46amI have a posterior fossa cyst also, had surgery in 2006. A friend of mine that have a posterior fossa also ( we became friends at the surgeons office since we were going through the same) she has seizure everyday, the cyst was discovered when she was taken to the hospital after a grand mole. she is doing a lot better after surgery, the cyst came back but the symptoms are way better than before and the seizures are under control. I hope you find someone to help you. Wevall know here what you are going through
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Yes, your whole body can certainly get off kilter with a brain cyst because your brain controls all these aspects of your body - regulating body temperature, etc.
In TX , you aren't too far from Phoenix and I would highly recommend Dr. Robert Spetzler. He is world renowned in neurosurgery and Chief Neurosurgeon at Barrow's Neurological Institute. He understands brain cysts and you can send him a copy of your MRI and for $100.00 he'll review it and give you his opinion - before you would even have to make a trip to see him.
I would pursue getting treatment for your cyst. To me, it sounds like it is putting pressure on the different parts of the brain that are wreaking havoc on your body.
Keep us posted and good luck!
Maria
January 19, 2015 - 1:03amThis Comment
Thank you for your advice. I did some research on Barrow's and I'm going to see if my PCP will order an MRI and see about sending it to Dr. Spetzler.
I was seizure free since January 2012 and not even 4 hours after I posted my comment I had a grand mal seizure. I knew something was coming with how off I felt. Oddly enough after I had my seizure I stopped being so cold all the time. But during my seizure I felt hypothermic. Not sure if anyone has ever had symptoms of feeling like ice water is flowing through their veins and/or the feeling of like bengay/icy hot is on their body? That's the only way I can describe the feeling of the way my body went from warm to freezing cold and 5 comforters wouldn't even warm me up.
Well I'm done rambling heh. I wanted to thank those who took the time to read my post and/or comment. It's comforting to know I'm not alone.
Have a great weekend y'all,
January 30, 2015 - 9:45amJessica
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I I was recently diagnosed with a large broad-based retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst measuing up to 3cm in thickness. When I went in for my results, the doctor simply said we will monitor it for a year and do another MRI then. I was so much shock that I even told her I was no longer getting headaches. That night it finally hit me like a ton of bricks. My symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and problems with my short term memory. The doctor just said I have a cyst in my brain. She showed me the images, but never gave me the specific type of cyst. I know the type now because I requested a copy of the report and images. I am scared and stressed. I am currently waiting for insurance approval for a 2nd opinion. I am hoping to speak to an expert soon so that I can get all the answers to my many questions. Can anyone related to my situation? I am trying not to think too much about this, but it is hard not to. Any information anyone can share will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
January 7, 2015 - 9:49amThis Comment
Hi,
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Yes, hearing you have a cyst on the brain is unnerving....so many questions and never feels like you get enough answers. What type of cyst did they diagnose it as, if I might ask?
I am the one who started this area of empowHer on brain cysts - Arachnoid cysts specifically. I don't know what type of doctor you are seeing currently and who diagnosed you, but my suggestion is to find a qualified neurosurgeon who has a lot of knowledge on brain cysts, and especially your type. If you let me know what type you have, I can post a few good sites for info on it.
Don't give up with getting treatment. Brain cysts can cause a wide range of symptoms and problems and if you feel yours is creating your health concerns, keep searching for the right doctor who listens and will help you. I had to go through several neurosurgeons before I found the right one who listened and knew what I needed as far as treatment.
Stay positive!
January 7, 2015 - 1:20pmBlessings -
Maria M.
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Hi Maria, I appreciate all the info you have provided on this site. It has been very helpful.
October 21, 2019 - 6:31pmDo you know of a surgeon who will operate on a 3cm cyst in the third ventricle? My brother is having terrible problems with it, pressure that he describes like a blood pressure cuff inside his head, headaches. Two doctors have said they wouldn’t operate because of its location.
Thank you so very much
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