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About us and Arachnoid Cysts
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What is an Arachnoid Cyst?
An Arachnoid Cyst is a cerebrospinal fluid containing sac on the
Arachnoid Membrane covering the brain.
How do Arachnoid Cysts form?
An arachnoid cyst forms when the two lipid (fatty) layers of the
arachnoid membrane split apart to form a cavity. Cerebrospinal
fluid then fills the cavity.
Is an Arachnoid Cyst strictly congenital?
No, some people can acquire an Arachnoid Cyst through surgery,
head trauma and secondary to other brain tumors or
hydrocephalus.
What treatments are available for an Arachnoid Cyst?
For a symptomatic Arachnoid Cyst, Fenestration surgery is
performed first. If the Arachnoid Cyst then grows back,
reaccumulates, a shunt is inserted inside the cyst and
drained to the abdomen, pleura, heart or jugular vein.
What is the prognosis for an Arachnoid Cyst patient?
Unfortunately, there is no text book prognosis. If the cyst remains
untreated and continues to grow, it can lead to inter-cranial
bleeding, hydrocephalus, coma and even death. However with
treatment some experience symptoms dissipating, while others
continue to have debilitating symptoms.
| FAQ |
Arachnoid Cyst Awareness is here to support all arachnoid cyst patients and their loved ones, in addition to helping the general public become more aware of how an arachnoid cyst can affect someone. ACA is helping to end the stigma of, "It's all in your head", which is commonly associated with this disorder, and through raising awareness hopes people will learn how badly arachnoid cysts affect lives.
Arachnoid Cyst Awareness was founded in June of 2003 when Dia DiCristino was suffering from bacterial meningitis. Over the years the awareness has been directed towards how the medical community often disregards arachnoid cysts and turns patients away with a psychosomatic diagnosis. ACA hopes in time patients will be able to find a doctor who is aware of the symptoms this disorder can cause. To help achieve this, ACA has started an Arachnoid Cyst Petition to show how many people are affected by arachnoid cysts and the common symptoms they share.
ACA has launched both a Motability Fund and Home2Hospital Fund to help those who may need wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc and to defray the costs of traveling to an out of state doctor.
Just this year the new ACA Network was launched. It has many features including the ability to host blogs, user groups, forums, mp3 uploads, picture galleries and so much more. If you are newly diagnosed, feel free to check it out.
