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Arachnoid cysts
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Overview
Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs that are located between the brain or spinal cord and the arachnoid membrane, one of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Primary arachnoid cysts are present at birth and are the result of developmental abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord that arise during the early weeks of gestation. Secondary arachnoid cysts are not as common as primary cysts and develop as a result of head injury, meningitis, or tumors, or as a complication of brain surgery. Males are four times more likely to have arachnoid cysts than females.[1]
References
- NINDS Arachnoid Cysts Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/arachnoid_cysts/arachnoid_cysts.htm. Accessed February 12, 2010.
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by the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center1 question(s) from the public on Arachnoid cysts have been answered. See questions and answers. You can also submit a new question.
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General Information
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Arachnoid cysts. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
- The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Arachnoid cysts. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.
Selected Full-Text Journal Articles
- Hughes G, Ugokwe K, Benzel EC. A Review of Spinal Arachnoid Cysts. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2008 Apr;75(4):311-5.