Brain cysts in children

Since strokes or parasites (at least in Germany), which can lead to the formation of cysts in adults, are generally less common in children, most brain cysts are congenital in children. These are hollow spaces that have been created during brain development in addition to the normal cerebral ventricle system and are often filled with cerebral fluid. These include, for example, the so-called arachnoidal cysts.

In principle, these cysts are not dangerous. However, depending on their location, they can lead to the accumulation of cerebral fluid, which normally can flow freely in the brain. In this case, a so-called hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus) can develop, which must be treated acutely and can lead to further damage.

In very rare cases, a brain cyst can even lead to a deformation of the skull. Usually, however, the cysts are not noticeable at all, and are often only discovered by chance later in life. In addition to hydrocephalus, the size of the cyst in small children can also be a reason for surgery.

In the case of very large cysts, surgery is often performed to make room for the brain to develop further. A known cyst should then be checked regularly, since, for example, in the case of strong growth, removal may be necessary later on. Even if symptoms such as headaches or epileptic seizures occur later, the cysts should be included in the diagnosis, but in many cases they never cause problems.

The group of plexus choroidal cysts also plays a special role in babies who are still unborn. These cysts form in the areas of the cerebral ventricles that are responsible for the production of cerebral fluid. They can often be detected during the prenatal ultrasound examination.

However, they usually have no disease value themselves. Only in the case of very large plexus choroideus cysts occurring on both sides should further prenatal diagnostics be considered. In this case one speaks of a so-called soft marker. This is an abnormality that could be an indication of further malformations and disabilities, but is not conclusive or exclusive. One-sided cysts of these usually disappear by themselves before birth and are also no indication of further diseases.