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Anyone know about an arachnid cyst?

Wed, 03/22/2006 - 13:27
Just had an mri done today and my doctor pointed out a large white mass (size of a golf ball) in the back of my brain. I believe he said it may have happened as a child and is spinal fluid that dripped into my brain. Where more brain matter should be, is instead replaced by this cyst. Anyway, he completely downplayed the cyst, but every post I read and every comment I see mentions surgery and anything but a "no big deal" attitude. He said I have ideopathic epilepsy (which he said is a fancy way of saying they have no idea why I have seizures). Anyone else experience an arachnid cyst?

Comments

Re: Anyone know about an arachnid cyst?

Submitted by T mama on Wed, 2006-03-22 - 15:08
The reason your doctor is not expressing concern with the cyst is that you have had it most your life without it doing much harm. Sort of "why elevate risk by removal when it hasn't caused much harm." And in the neuro-medicine world, seizures are not too bad since they rarely cause death. So many other brain diseases/disorders are deadly. If a cyst remains unchanged over many years it is more risky to go into the head and cut it out than it is to just leave it there. The arachnid part simply tells us that it originated in the arachnoid membrane where a plexus of blood vessels and the csf are separated. If the cyst does not increase your cerebral pressure and it's not growing, leave it alone, just watch it. I am an RN, worked in a Pediatric cardiac/neuro ICU, so we dealt with these issues regularly. I know it feels freaky to think that you have a mass in your head, but count it a blessing that it is not a deadly mass. Also, the brain tissue that is missing isn't really missed, as only a small portion of the brain is actually needed for high function. I am not saying to ignore this new find, I am just trying to help you understand why your doctor is not as concerned by the idea as you might want him to be. If you are uncomfortable with the attitude of the doctor, try getting a second and third opinion. Good Luck!

Re: Re: Anyone know about an arachnid cyst?

Submitted by jas849 on Wed, 2006-03-22 - 16:19
Thank you for your comments. I have went at least 12 years with no problems. When I heard about a cyst today, coupled with the resurgence of auras I just recently started having, I became concerned.

HI T, Since you are a nurse,

Submitted by solis on Wed, 2006-03-22 - 22:36
HI T, Since you are a nurse, I have one question. What neurological tests reveal cysts? Thanks.. Hi Jaz.. Here's some info on surgery. My only guess would be that your cyst is located in an area not normally operated on. http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/surgery.html ~sol

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