Hi Doctor,my 8 year old daughter just had her Brain MRI done.She has been treating for Precocious puberyt for 1 year already.And the impression was RIGHT FRONTAL ARACHNOID CYST,above pituitary gland changes are typically seen during puberty.She is only having occasional mild headaches ,like twice only this year.Please advise. :(
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis and concerns. Here's what the findings likely mean and some advice on next steps: 1. Right Frontal Arachnoid Cyst What It Is: Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane (a thin layer covering the brain). Symptoms: Many arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and found incidentally during imaging. In your daughter's case, mild, infrequent headaches could be related to the cyst, but they may also be unrelated. Treatment: If the cyst is not causing significant symptoms or pressure effects, it typically does not require surgical intervention. Regular monitoring with follow-up MRIs may be advised. 2. Changes Above the Pituitary Gland Puberty-Related Changes: It's reassuring that the report mentions these changes are typical during puberty. The pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating hormones, and its appearance can change during growth spurts or hormonal shifts. Precocious Puberty: Your daughter’s condition (precocious puberty) aligns with these findings. Continued management by an endocrinologist is essential to regulate her hormonal levels and monitor her growth and development. 3. Occasional Headaches Assessment: Mild and infrequent headaches are common in children and may not be directly related to the cyst or hormonal treatment. Possible triggers include: Dehydration Stress or fatigue Minor infections (e.g., colds) When to Worry: Seek immediate medical attention if the headaches become severe, frequent, or are accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, vision changes, or balance issues. 4. Recommendations Follow-Up with Specialists: Neurologist: For a detailed review of the cyst and its implications. Endocrinologist: To continue managing precocious puberty and interpret the pituitary changes. Lifestyle Tips: Encourage a healthy routine, adequate hydration, balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, which can help reduce headache episodes. 5. Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Should we schedule periodic follow-up MRIs to monitor the cyst? Are there specific signs or symptoms we should watch for that might indicate the cyst is causing problems? Is the current treatment for precocious puberty sufficient, or should any adjustments be made? This situation can feel overwhelming, but it’s encouraging that her symptoms are mild. Regular monitoring and collaboration with her healthcare team should help keep her on track. Regards, Janis Slezins MD, PhD
Hi Doctor,my 8 year old daughter just had her Brain MRI done.She has been treating for Precocious puberyt for 1 year already.And the impression was RIGHT FRONTAL ARACHNOID CYST,above pituitary gland changes are typically seen during puberty.She is only having occasional mild headaches ,like twice only this year.Please advise. :(
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis and concerns. Here's what the findings likely mean and some advice on next steps:
1. Right Frontal Arachnoid Cyst
What It Is: Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane (a thin layer covering the brain).
Symptoms: Many arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and found incidentally during imaging. In your daughter's case, mild, infrequent headaches could be related to the cyst, but they may also be unrelated.
Treatment: If the cyst is not causing significant symptoms or pressure effects, it typically does not require surgical intervention. Regular monitoring with follow-up MRIs may be advised.
2. Changes Above the Pituitary Gland
Puberty-Related Changes: It's reassuring that the report mentions these changes are typical during puberty. The pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating hormones, and its appearance can change during growth spurts or hormonal shifts.
Precocious Puberty: Your daughter’s condition (precocious puberty) aligns with these findings. Continued management by an endocrinologist is essential to regulate her hormonal levels and monitor her growth and development.
3. Occasional Headaches
Assessment: Mild and infrequent headaches are common in children and may not be directly related to the cyst or hormonal treatment. Possible triggers include:
Dehydration
Stress or fatigue
Minor infections (e.g., colds)
When to Worry: Seek immediate medical attention if the headaches become severe, frequent, or are accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, vision changes, or balance issues.
4. Recommendations
Follow-Up with Specialists:
Neurologist: For a detailed review of the cyst and its implications.
Endocrinologist: To continue managing precocious puberty and interpret the pituitary changes.
Lifestyle Tips: Encourage a healthy routine, adequate hydration, balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, which can help reduce headache episodes.
5. Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
Should we schedule periodic follow-up MRIs to monitor the cyst?
Are there specific signs or symptoms we should watch for that might indicate the cyst is causing problems?
Is the current treatment for precocious puberty sufficient, or should any adjustments be made?
This situation can feel overwhelming, but it’s encouraging that her symptoms are mild. Regular monitoring and collaboration with her healthcare team should help keep her on track.
Regards,
Janis Slezins MD, PhD
Was it Endoscopic surgery ?
Hi, thanks for asking. That particular one was open surgery.
Regards,
Janis Slezins, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon
Could this cause stuttering? If it’s in the frontal lobe
Hi, no that was the temporal lobe.
Regards,
Janis Slezins, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon