Some patients, after visiting a doctor, hear a diagnosis of a transparent septum cyst. This term makes you worry and look for information about the ailment. So what is a cyst? How dangerous can an illness be? What symptoms are worth paying attention to? Answers to these questions will be useful to many readers.
Cyst of the transparent septum of the brain: photo and general description
Of course, to begin with, it’s worth understanding the meaning of the term. As you know, the human brain is protected thanks to the presence of three shells, namely hard, cobweb and soft. The arachnoid membrane contains cerebrospinal fluid - the fluid that surrounds the brain. If we talk about transparent partitions, then they are two thin plates of brain substance with a gap that, in fact, will separate them. This gap is located in the area between the arch and the anterior part of the corpus callosum.
Therefore, with a similar diagnosis, it is understood that a person has been diagnosed with a neoplasm from the arachnoid membrane, which develops and grows due to fluid accumulation. This is precisely the cyst of the transparent septum of the brain. It’s difficult to name the maximum dimensions, because in each individual case these indicators are different. In some people, the diameter of the formation is 1-2 mm, while in others, the cavity grows to several centimeters.
So, a cyst of a transparent septum (in medicine it is also known as Vergi's cyst) is a cavity formation that resembles a small capsule with elastic, dense walls. Inside it contains liquid - this is the same cerebrospinal fluid.
Varieties of such neoplasms
To date, there are many classifications of this pathology. To begin with, it is worth saying that a cyst of a transparent septum can be congenital (formed in the brain of the fetus during fetal development) or acquired (formed after birth, in children or adults).
In addition, neoplasms are divided, given their localization. For example, in some patients, a cyst is located in the area of the anterior interventricular septum. Sometimes it is located in the cerebellum and corpus callosum. These factors, of course, must be considered during treatment.
Why is a cyst formed: the main reasons
To begin with, it is worth saying that in most cases a cyst of a transparent septum is formed during the period of intrauterine development. According to statistics, about 60% of babies (and 100% of premature babies) are born already with a tumor in the brain. But you should not be afraid of these numbers, since in 2/3 of the cases, the cyst resolves by itself, without causing any inconvenience.
As for the reasons, they look the same, regardless of whether a cyst appears in adulthood or during intrauterine development:
- diseases accompanied by an inflammatory process in the membranes of the brain;
- injuries and diseases that are accompanied by cerebral hemorrhages;
- various degrees of concussion;
- diseases of infectious origin, especially those that affect the meninges.
Brain septum cyst: symptoms
In fact, in most cases, the presence of such an education in the brain does not appear in any way - the patient does not even suspect a problem. Moreover, a cyst of a transparent septum of the brain, the dimensions of which are not too large, as a rule, is accidentally detected during diagnosis for another disease.
On the other hand, some patients still encounter difficulties - external symptoms appear in the case of a significant increase in the size of the neoplasm. The cyst begins to put pressure on nearby parts of the brain, at times blocking the hole of Monroe. What symptoms should I look for? Patients, as a rule, complain of the following deterioration:
- severe headaches that occur suddenly and also suddenly disappear;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- violation of the hearing system - patients note a decrease or aggravation of hearing, the appearance of tinnitus;
- some patients complain of compression sensation in the head area.
Methods of modern diagnostics
If a cyst is suspected, a thorough diagnosis is necessary. The most accurate results are obtained using computed and magnetic resonance imaging. Thanks to such tests, the doctor can determine the location and size of the cyst, the degree of compression of the brain structures.
Quite often, the appearance of such a neoplasm is associated with the presence of other diseases. That is why a blood test for infection is performed. If you suspect inflammation, you need to conduct tests in order to determine the focus of the inflammatory process. In addition, an ultrasound scan is performed, which makes it possible to find places of ischemia. It is also worth doing a blood clotting speed test. The diagnostic process in this case is long and complex.
What treatment methods does modern medicine offer?
What should I do if a patient has a cyst of a transparent septum of the brain? Symptoms and treatment for this ailment are related. For example, if a cyst is not a threat to the functioning of brain tissue, the patient has no complaints about well-being, and the growth of the neoplasm is invisible, then the doctor may decide not to conduct specific therapy. In such cases, patients are required to undergo an examination twice a year, to do an MRI or computed tomography.
Naturally, it is important to identify the primary disease and conduct appropriate treatment, whether it is an infection or an inflammatory process. With an increase in intracranial pressure, patients are prescribed drugs that normalize the circulation of cerebral fluid. The treatment regimen includes osmotic diuretics (eliminate excess fluid), drugs to improve blood circulation in the brain tissue, nootropic drugs.
As a rule, control of intracranial pressure and treatment for the primary disease is enough - the cyst gradually decreases, and sometimes completely disappears by itself. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and some patients require surgical intervention. To begin with, using a special probe in the cyst wall, a hole is made through which fluid is released into the cerebral ventricle. In 80% of cases, this procedure allows you to get rid of the neoplasm. Sometimes the hole between the walls still closes, and the doctor may decide on the need for shunting.
Possible complications of the disease
What complications can a cyst of a transparent septum of the brain lead to? The consequences for some patients are very dangerous. Yes, as already mentioned, in some cases the disease does not require treatment, and quite often the neoplasm in the meninges resolves by itself.
But on the other hand, the rapid and strong growth of the cyst in the absence of treatment is a threat. After all, this structure compresses blood vessels and nerve tissues, malnutrition of neurons provokes degradation of various brain structures, due to which cells gradually lose their functions. This may affect the functioning of the senses (for example, there are problems with hearing and vision) or may lead to impaired coordination of movements.
Can a cyst of a transparent septum be fatal? Of course, yes. But such cases are recorded extremely rarely and, as a rule, are associated with the refusal of treatment or the inability to receive qualified help.
Preventative measures
Unfortunately, there are no specific means for the prevention of the disease. Nevertheless, it is important to detect the presence of a cyst in time and provide the patient with the necessary assistance. Naturally, the patient should undergo regular checks even if special therapy is not needed.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid situations that threaten with head injuries or concussions (for example, change occupation). It is very important to timely and correctly carry out therapy for inflammatory and infectious ailments, especially when it comes to a disease associated with damage to the nervous system. If you have any alarming symptoms, you should consult a doctor.