Arachnoid cyst producing recurrent neurological disturbances

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Arachnoid cysts are benign lesions that can occur within the central nervous system.
• Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts are relatively rare and can present with diverse neurological symptoms.

Observation:

• A patient presented with recurrent transient numbness and weakness in the right upper extremity.
• These symptoms were attributed to an arachnoid cyst located in the posterior fossa.

Findings:

• Literature review reveals that posterior fossa and spinal arachnoid cysts, along with extradural spinal cysts, can manifest as transient neurological deficits.
• Such presentations can be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis due to symptom overlap.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of including arachnoid cysts in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with transient neurological deficits.
• Accurate diagnosis of arachnoid cysts is crucial for appropriate management and to avoid misdiagnosis of conditions like multiple sclerosis.