ARACHNOID CYST TREATMENT
Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs that occur on the arachnoid membrane, a thin and delicate layer that covers the brain and spinal cord within the central nervous system. This article aims to delve into the understanding of what arachnoid cysts are, their causes, diagnosis, and the available non-surgical and surgical treatment options.
What are Arachnoid Cysts?
Arachnoid cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop in the arachnoid membrane, one of three layers of tissue that protect the brain and spinal cord. These cysts are typically filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear, colorless fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord. While they can develop anywhere along the arachnoid membrane, they most commonly occur in the head and spinal column.
These cysts are often congenital (present at birth) but can sometimes develop later in life. While many individuals with arachnoid cysts live symptom-free, the cysts can cause problems if they grow large enough to compress surrounding brain or spinal tissue.
Causes of Arachnoid Cysts
The exact cause of arachnoid cysts remains unclear. They’re often thought to be congenital, resulting from a developmental abnormality in the brain and spinal cord during early pregnancy. This is referred to as primary arachnoid cysts.
Secondary arachnoid cysts, which are less common, develop later in life due to causes such as head trauma, meningitis, tumors, or complications from brain surgery.
Diagnosing Arachnoid Cysts
Arachnoid cysts are often discovered incidentally during brain imaging tests conducted for other reasons, given that they are frequently asymptomatic. However, in cases where symptoms do present, a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests are employed for diagnosis.
Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are particularly effective in diagnosing arachnoid cysts. These tools allow doctors to see the location and size of the cysts, and assess whether they’re causing pressure on the brain or spinal cord.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Arachnoid Cysts
Arachnoid cysts that don’t cause symptoms or pose a risk to neurological function are usually managed through regular monitoring. This involves routine imaging studies to check if the cyst is growing or causing pressure on surrounding structures. In cases where mild symptoms are present, pain management strategies or physical therapy may be recommended.
Surgical Treatment for Arachnoid Cysts
When arachnoid cysts cause significant symptoms, surgery may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to alleviate pressure caused by the cyst, either by removing it or enabling better flow of CSF.
Cyst removal: Depending on the cyst’s location, surgeons might be able to completely remove it. This procedure carries the lowest chance of the cyst redeveloping, but it’s not always feasible due to potential risks to surrounding brain or spinal tissue.
Cyst fenestration: In this procedure, surgeons create a hole in the cyst, allowing the CSF to flow out. Fenestration can be performed endoscopically (using a thin tube with a camera and light) or through a craniotomy (opening in the skull).
Cyst shunting: A shunt, which is a long, flexible tube, is used to redirect the CSF from the cyst to another part of the body where it can be absorbed.
As with any medical condition, early detection and intervention play a crucial role in the successful management of arachnoid cysts. Therefore, patient education about the potential signs and symptoms of arachnoid cysts is key, particularly in high-risk populations.
Why Choose Us?
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we have been providing top-quality neurosurgical treatment options for almost a decade under the guidance and leadership of Op. Dr. Özgür Akşan. Our team is comprised of highly experienced and skilled surgeons, including Dr. Özgür Akşan, Dr. Nail Özdemir, and Dr. Feryal Akşan, all of them having more than 20 years of experience in medicine.
We offer a wide range of treatment options for various neurosurgical conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, cervical disc herniation, Chiari malformation, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Our team is highly skilled in performing advanced neurosurgical procedures, such as microsurgical discectomy, endoscopic discectomy, spinal fusion instrumentation, craniotomy, craniectomy, gamma-knife radiation therapy, and many more.
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we are committed to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans for each patient based on their unique needs and medical history. Our clinic in Izmir is equipped with the latest technology and we are working with private hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest level of care for our patients.
Choose Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye for your neurosurgical needs and experience the expertise and care of our highly trained team of neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Özgür Akşan himself.