How Are Brain Cysts Diagnosed in Children?
How Are Brain Cysts Diagnosed in Children?Brain cysts may be caused by other conditions, which is why an accurate diagnosis is critical to determine the most effective treatment.
In addition to a physical examination and complete review of medical history, a neurological examination is typically performed to identify any alterations in your child’s brain function and mental status. This exam assesses eye movements, vision, hearing, swallowing, motor function, sensation, balance, and coordination.
A doctor may also perform one or more brain imaging tests to confirm a brain cyst diagnosis, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnetic fields to create a detailed picture of the brain
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan, which uses X-rays to form an image of the brain
- Ultrasound, which can detect brain cysts in a fetus within the womb
How Are Brain Cysts Treated in Children?
How Are Brain Cysts Treated in Children?A brain cyst that does not cause any symptoms may not require treatment at all — a neurosurgeon will typically recommend follow-up imaging every so often to monitor the cyst’s growth.
If a cyst is causing symptoms, however, it may be necessary to operate to remove the cyst. If left untreated, a brain cyst may not only continue to cause headaches and other symptoms but can also put pressure on healthy brain tissue and lead to neurological damage.
There are three surgical options for treating an intracranial cyst:
Shunt placement
A shunt is a permanent drainage system that removes fluid from the cyst and reduces pressure the cyst has placed on the brain. Shunt placement is a minimally invasive procedure and may be appealing as a brain cyst treatment due to the simplicity of the operation.
Craniotomy fenestration or removal
An open surgical procedure, called fenestration, is more complex than the surgery to install a shunt, but success rates are high. In a fenestration, the pediatric neurosurgeon opens the skull to gain access to the cyst, then opens the cyst to release pressure and allow the contents to be absorbed naturally by the brain. Opening the cyst is usually a permanent solution, and it avoids the need to implant shunt hardware permanently.
Endoscopic cyst fenestration
Endoscopic cyst fenestration is an advanced technique with the benefits of fenestration without requiring open surgery. It’s a short, safe procedure in which a neurosurgeon uses an endoscope (a type of tube with a camera) to drain the cyst internally. The procedure takes much less time than a fenestration, and patients can usually return home the following day. NewYork-Presbyterian surgeons have championed the application of endoscopic surgery for cyst fenestration.
FAQs
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Brain Cyst Treatment in Children
NewYork-Presbyterian’s world-class brain and spine centers offer the most advanced, comprehensive pediatric neurosurgical care to children of all ages for a wide range of pediatric brain and spine conditions — including brain cysts — using innovative treatments and a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach.
Your child’s healthcare team will include the full range of pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists who practice at NewYork-Presbyterian, ensuring that all of your child’s medical needs can be addressed.