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What is a brain cyst
A brain cyst is a cavity formation. It consists of membranes or locally compressed tissues of the brain, filled with cerebrospinal fluid. May appear at any age.
As KP said neurosurgeon of the highest category Pavel Trushin, brain cysts are:
- acquired;
- congenital;
- post-traumatic;
- tumor
- postoperative.
– Arachnoid are congenital and develop in utero. This refers to the pathology of dysembryogenesis. There are also epidermoid cysts. This is also a pathology of dysembryogenesis – a violation of the laying of the neural tube, when epithelial cells enter the nervous tissue. This formation often develops in the cisterns of the base of the brain, they are already being treated surgically, explains Pavel Trushin.
Causes of a brain cyst in adults
The doctor identifies several causes of cysts in adults.
Congenital cysts due to the pathology of dysembryogenesis and acquired, the cause of which can develop as a result:
- intracranial severe injuries;
- tumor lesions;
- as a result of cerebrovascular accidents.
Symptoms of a brain cyst in adults
Most often, with a cyst, a person lives a normal life, and does not even know that he has one. Patients learn about them during examinations. According to the doctor, very often this is an accidental finding during MRI. But still there are cases when cysts manifest themselves.
Symptoms of a cyst in the head can be completely different:
- focal neurological symptoms in the form of weakness in the arm, leg, impaired speech;
- epileptic seizures.
The cyst can behave like a mass and cause:
- headache;
- convulsive seizures;
- nausea and vomiting;
- neurological deficit;
- noise in ears.
In children, this may be accompanied by mental retardation.
If you experience the above symptoms, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you make an appointment with the doctor, the sooner treatment will begin.
Treatment of a brain cyst in adults
Treatment for brain cysts can be:
- conservative – observation of a neurologist and a neurosurgeon: if the cyst does not bother and its growth is not observed, then neurosurgeons recommend expectant tactics;
- surgical – operations are performed on those who have a neurological symptom of the disease and the cyst grows in dynamics.
Both open and endoscopic surgical interventions are used – drainage of a cyst through a small hole in the skull. Emergency operations are also performed when patients have severe impairments, but this is a very rare occurrence and is often caused by high intracranial pressure.
The operation is prescribed strictly by a neurosurgeon after a complete examination. It is also worth remembering that any operation has risks and complications.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis begins with a visit to the doctor. The patient describes his complaints, then studies are assigned.
Why do you need an MRI with contrast? This study is performed with contrast in order to distinguish a cyst from a tumor.
Only after a complete examination, the doctor decides how the cyst will be treated – conservatively or surgically. Note that in the treatment of cysts, the prognosis is favorable.
Modern treatments
As mentioned above, a cyst that does not bother the patient, does not increase in size, can be observed by neurosurgeons. And in the case when it complicates life, causes health problems, manifests itself symptomatically, surgical treatment is required.
There are endoscopic and microneurosurgical methods of treatment of brain cysts. These methods make it possible to perform an operation to remove a cyst that is less traumatic. It also reduces the time of hospitalization and rehabilitation time.
Prevention of brain cysts in adults at home
– Prevention of a brain cyst at home does not exist, as well as home treatment. You either have a cyst or you don’t, says the doctor.
But still it is worth being careful, avoiding injuries, so as not to earn post-traumatic cysts.
If you have health problems, consult a doctor in time so as not to aggravate the situation.
If you know that you have a cyst, and the doctors have taken a wait-and-see approach, do not forget about the examinations – go through them on time.
Popular questions and answers
Answered popular questions about brain cysts neurosurgeon of the highest category, Ph.D. Pavel Trushin.