Arachnoid Cyst

What is an arachnoid cyst?

An arachnoid (pronounced ah-RACK-noid) cyst is a sac filled with fluid inside the head or spine. Arachnoid cysts develop between the brain or spinal cord and a membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, called the arachnoid membrane. The fluid in the cyst often is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid that protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid cysts are more common inside the head than around the spinal cord. In a child’s head, an arachnoid cyst can be between the brain and the skull or inside the brain. Arachnoid cysts in the brain form in open spaces called ventricles that normally contain CSF.

Arachnoid cysts are found in many parts of the brain. Most are in the middle or back of the brain.

Arachnoid Cyst in Children

In the United States, about 3 children in every 100 have an arachnoid cyst. Most of these cysts never cause any problems or symptoms or need any treatment. Doctors often find arachnoid cysts when they examine a child for another reason, such as after a head injury.

If your child has a cyst that does not cause symptoms, the doctor may just watch the cyst to make sure it does not change size. If the cyst causes symptoms, doctors may remove it surgically. Most children with arachnoid cysts do not need surgery.

Arachnoid cysts are often present when a child is born (congenital). Arachnoid cysts that are present at birth are called primary arachnoid cysts.

Arachnoid Cyst at Seattle Children’s

Our medical team has cared for many children with arachnoid cysts. We have a great deal of experience diagnosing arachnoid cysts and deciding whether a cyst needs surgery. Our neurosurgeons and radiologists use MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to tell arachnoid cysts apart from other types of problems, like tumors. When needed, our neurosurgeons use the latest technology, equipment and surgery techniques to remove arachnoid cysts.

Symptoms of Arachnoid Cyst

Most people with arachnoid cysts do not have symptoms. Doctors often find these cysts when a child with no symptoms has a CT (computed tomography) scan or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain for other reasons. If your child’s cyst does not cause symptoms, your child probably does not need treatment. The doctor may watch the cyst to make sure it does not change size.

Rarely, an arachnoid cyst can cause problems that lead to symptoms. The symptoms may relate to how big the cyst is and where it is located. For example, it may block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Blocked CSF leads to a condition called hydrocephalus, which increases pressure inside the skull. If an arachnoid cyst bleeds, it can cause sudden, severe head pain.

If your child’s cyst causes symptoms, doctors may recommend surgery to remove it. But most children with arachnoid cysts do not need surgery.

Diagnosing Arachnoid Cyst

This arachnoid cyst (clear area on the right) is large and pushing on the brain. Surgeons drained the cyst.This is a smaller arachnoid cyst in the back of the brain (posterior fossa). There is no sign of bleeding, hydrocephalus, or pressure on the brain. Surgery is not needed for cysts like this.

Doctors often find arachnoid cysts when they examine a child for another reason, such as after a head injury. An arachnoid cyst may show up when a child has a CT scan or an MRI of the brain.

If your child’s doctor finds an arachnoid cyst, your child will come to the Neurosurgery Clinic for a complete evaluation. Your child will need a brain MRI with contrast. This imaging test helps doctors tell an arachnoid cyst apart from other types of problems, like tumors.

It can be very stressful to learn that your child may have a cyst or condition that affects the brain or spinal cord. We will carefully review your child’s scans and any symptoms your child has to give you a clear diagnosis. Our team has a great deal of experience diagnosing arachnoid cysts, telling them apart from other problems and deciding whether they need surgery.

Most children do not need surgery if they have an arachnoid cyst without symptoms. If your child does not have symptoms, your child will need MRIs to make sure the cyst doesn’t grow and start causing symptoms. Your child’s team will recommend a schedule for these MRIs.