Ms K, a 12 year old girl, presented to us with a history of multiple spinal surgeries. At the time she was first seen by us, she had very stiff legs and was carried into the hospital in her mother’s arms. A detailed evaluation was done which revealed an uncommon spinal disorder known as spinal arachnoid cyst. Spinal arachnoid cyst is a disorder due to accumulation of spinal fluid in the form of a cyst which enlarges and causes symptoms by compressing on the adjacent nerves and spinal cord
he decision to help her had to be a courageous one since the cyst spanned about 2/3rds the length of her spinal cord! She had already undergone two operations at another centre but the cyst had remained the same
The only option appeared to be a rather difficult one which was to operate and remove the cyst directly but involved a long surgery with plenty of risks The options were discussed with the parents who made a courageous decision to go ahead with a major surgery
Six challenging hour later and with the successful meticulous dissection and excision (removal) of the cyst, we all heaved a huge sigh of relief! Today (about 8 months after her surgery) she is able to walk independently and has gone back to attending school full time
Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs which commonly develop around brain – between the brain and the arachnoid membrane. But in rare cases, these cysts appear in spinal cord and cause spinal cord decompression.
Symptoms of Spinal Arachnoid Cyst include:
If you have any of these signs, you need to check with a doctor immediately as these cysts can continue to grow and would lead to other complications. Have any queries? Ask a neurosurgeon or spine surgeon at Sita Bhateja Specialty Hospital – www.sbshospital.com/get-in-touch/