Arachnoid Cysts

A benign fluid-filled sac forming between brain membranes; usually asymptomatic.

H06 Topic Guide

Pediatric Neurosurgery

This hub page brings together 7 conditions under Pediatric Neurosurgery. Use it to move from overview content to the relevant disease detail pages.

Open topic guide

1Overview

Quick and clear information for patients

What is this Condition?

An arachnoid cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) fluid-filled sac formed between the membrane layers surrounding the brain, filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Most are congenital; some may develop following head trauma, inflammation, or bleeding. Usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on brain imaging performed for other reasons. In symptomatic cysts, cyst enlargement and compression of surrounding brain tissue occur; symptoms may include headache, seizures, or rapid head growth in infants. While asymptomatic cysts are monitored regularly, surgical options are evaluated for symptomatic cysts. When detected early and properly monitored, the prognosis is generally excellent.

Symptoms

Headache (due to increased intracranial pressure from cyst compression on surrounding tissue)

Seizures (particularly may occur with cysts in the temporal region)

Abnormally rapid head growth in infants and bulging of the fontanelle

Mild asymmetry of head shape (protrusion on one side)

Nausea, vomiting, and balance-coordination difficulties (in posterior fossa cysts)

Visual disturbances or weakness in the arm-leg (in large cysts)

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis is made through brain imaging. The most valuable method is MR (magnetic resonance) imaging, which shows the location, size, and effect of the cyst on the brain in detail and helps differentiate the fluid content of the cyst from other similar-appearing lesions. CT scan also assists in diagnosis. For asymptomatic cysts, follow-up with MR at regular intervals is recommended; for symptomatic cysts, neurosurgical evaluation is performed. The cyst can also be detected by fetal ultrasound during pregnancy.

Treatment Methods

Treatment decision is made based on whether the cyst causes symptoms. Asymptomatic cysts are monitored with periodic MR; surgery becomes an option if growth occurs or new symptoms develop. For symptomatic cysts (seizures, headache, mass effect signs), surgical treatment is applied. The least invasive method is to create a window in the cyst wall via the closed (endoscopic) approach, allowing fluid to flow into surrounding fluid spaces. In some cases, open microsurgery or a shunt system that diverts fluid from the cyst to the abdominal cavity may be preferred. The appropriate method is determined based on the cyst location, size, and patient condition.

Creating a window in the cyst wall via closed (endoscopic) technique

Wide opening of the cyst wall via open microsurgery

Placement of a shunt system that diverts fluid from the cyst to the abdominal cavity

Regular MR follow-up in asymptomatic cysts

Treatment Path

Related Treatments

The procedures and interventions most commonly explored with this condition.

4 links

Shunt Placement

Shunt Placement procedure

Open treatment detail

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy procedure

Open treatment detail

Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty

Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty procedure

Open treatment detail

External Ventricular Drainage

External Ventricular Drainage procedure

Open treatment detail

Editorial Notes

References

Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:260-263.
Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2011:1912-1917.
Di Rocco C, Pang D, Rutka JT, eds. Textbook of Pediatric Neurosurgery. Springer; 2020:816-822.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın

Bilgilendirici içeriği sevdiklerinizle paylaşın

Looking for Another Condition?

Search among 134 neurosurgical conditions

All Disease Categories

23 categories, 134 neurosurgical conditions

🧠

Contact and Appointment

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür AKŞAN

Phone

+90 (232) 404 00 61

+90 (532) 414 35 35

[email protected]

Address

Ziya Gökalp Blv. No:28 D:1-2
35220 Konak/İzmir

Website

www.drozguraksan.com

Book Online Appointment Contact via WhatsApp

Browse Other Conditions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür AKŞAN

Brain & Nerve Surgery

Book an appointment for detailed information and personalized treatment plan.

Book Appointment

Related Department

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Surgical treatment of brain and nervous system diseases in children with specialized approaches.

Send Your MRI Images

Get a free preliminary evaluation via EmarYolla.com.

Send MRI →

Our Services

Comprehensive Neurosurgery Services - A·B·C·H

Academy

BVSpedia

"Making medical knowledge free, open and accessible to everyone"

Departments

Specialty Areas

Main departments:

See All 16 Departments

Treatments

Surgical Techniques

Popular Surgeries:

See All Surgeries

Diseases

134 Neurosurgical

Most Searched:

See All 134 Diseases

What kind of help do you need?

Book Appointment Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric Neurosurgery - Other Conditions

Pediatric Hydrocephalus Chiari Malformation Arachnoid Cyst Spina Bifida Craniosynostosis Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Chiari Malformation (Arnold-Chiari Malformation)Pediatric Hydrocephalus

🏠Home 📋All Conditions 🏥Pediatric Neurosurgery 📞Contact

Need help?

Book an appointment for expert evaluation.

Book Appointment Contact via WhatsApp

← Back to All Conditions Pediatric Neurosurgery View Page →

Arachnoid Cysts

Pediatric Neurosurgery

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

Related Treatments

Shunt Placement

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty

External Ventricular Drainage

Related Blog Posts

Chiari Malformation: When Is Surgery Considered for Headache Worsened by Coughing?

References

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın

Looking for Another Condition?

All Disease Categories

Brain Tumors

Spine Surgery

Vascular

Pediatric

Functional

Trauma

Pain Treatment

See All

Contact and Appointment

Browse Other Conditions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür AKŞAN

Related Department

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Send Your MRI Images

Our Services

Academy

Departments

Treatments

Diseases

YOU ARE HERE

Pediatric Neurosurgery - Other Conditions

Need help?

Related Treatments

Shunt Placement

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty

External Ventricular Drainage

Related Blog Posts

Chiari Malformation: When Is Surgery Considered for Headache Worsened by Coughing?

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın