The brain has several membranes. One of them is called arachnoid. The space under it (subarachnoid), containing cerebrospinal fluid, or, in another way, cerebrospinal fluid, in some cases expands, forming the so-called cysts - benign cavity formations filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Causes and symptoms of an arachnoid cyst
Arachnoid changes of cerebrospinal fluid character - this is the appearance of cavity formations in the arachnoid membrane of the brain. They can occur as a result of any pathological processes that disrupt the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cranial cavity.
These include concussion, especially untreated, other injuries, as well as meningitis and encephalitis. Due to disturbances in the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid, the ducts filled with it expand and the brain membranes are squeezed. This, as a rule, leads to a persistent increase in intracranial pressure. Therefore, arachnoid changes of cerebrospinal fluid character so often cause headaches that occur after physical and emotional stress. They can be very strong, causing nausea and even vomiting. True, in the case when a cyst is a consequence of a disease that has long been transmitted, the manifestation of any symptoms may not be present.
An additional sign of these changes, depending on their location, is the periodically appearing numbness of the extremities, a feeling of "goosebumps" on the skin and uncertainty of gait. The following symptoms may also appear: bursting or pressure in the head, a feeling of pulsation in it, noise in the ear without hearing impairment, double vision, epileptic seizures, partial paresis of the upper or lower limb, periodic blackouts.
Arachnoid changes of cerebrospinal fluid character. Treatment
If you find these symptoms (not necessarily all at once), then in front of you, most likely, is a picture of arachnoid changes of cerebrospinal fluid character. And you urgently need to contact a neurologist. By the way, arachnoid cysts are much more common in the male part of the population and mainly in childhood or adolescence.
Please note that arachnoid changes of cerebrospinal fluid character is usually not a separate disease. They accompany various circulatory disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases.
The size of the cyst is monitored by MRI or CT. Treatment is carried out
only if the cyst enlarges or there is a threat of the appearance of new cystic formations. But even then they pay attention primarily to the underlying disease that caused the cyst. Depending on the results of the examination, the doctor prescribes treatment: medication, and in case of emergency, surgical. Surgical procedures include bypass surgery, endoscopic surgery or
craniotomy with complete removal of the cyst.
Small cystic formations basically do not manifest themselves. A person can live to a very old age, not suspecting that he had a cyst.
If there are no complaints, and arachnoid changes of cerebrospinal fluid character are only a reflection of the ratio of the size of the brain and its membranes, treatment is not required.