What is an arachnoid cyst in the spine?
What is an arachnoid cyst in the spine?
Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that occur on the arachnoid membrane that covers the brain (intracranial) and the spinal cord (spinal). There are three membranes covering these parts of the central nervous system: the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.
What causes a spinal arachnoid cyst?
The cause of arachnoid cysts is currently unknown. Most instances are sporadic. Research suggests that these cysts develop when the arachnoid membrane splits, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow in and become trapped. Arachnoid cysts occur more often among males than females and can arise at any age.
Do arachnoid cysts need to be treated?
Most arachnoid cysts are stable and do not require treatment. They are four times more common in boys than in girls. Arachnoid cysts are diagnosed with a CT or MRI scan. Treatment, if necessary, involves draining the fluid through surgery or shunting.
When do arachnoid cysts require surgery?
An arachnoid cyst that does not cause any symptoms may not require treatment at all — a neurosurgeon might typically recommend follow-up imaging every so often to monitor the cyst’s growth. If an arachnoid cyst is causing symptoms, however, it may be necessary to operate.
Should a cyst on the spine be removed?
Synovial cysts develop in joints in your spine and, though they’re benign, they can grow large enough to pinch spinal nerves. The physicians at Spinetech offer a range of interventional treatments to manage your pain without surgery, but when your symptoms worsen, synovial cyst removal is the best option.
Is arachnoid cyst a tumor?
Arachnoid cysts are the most common type of brain cyst. They’re not tumors, but cysts filled with cerebrospinal fluid (a clear liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord). Most people who have arachnoid cysts are born with them. You can also get one after having a head injury, meningitis, or brain surgery.