Updated
May 23, 2009 at 10:38 PM by janfrn
Fellow nurses,
My twelve year old daughter has just been diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst. I am an adult critical care nurse and am looking for advice form you peds folks!
Her cyst is 3.5 x 3 x 2.5cm and showing mass effect. It is centrally located near the occipital lobe. Well defined. Smack in the middle of her sweet little head.
My questions are:
*Is anyone out there familiar with the neurosurgeons at Shands Gainesville? Any opinions appreciated
*Any insight on whether she will be eligible for the minimially invasive approach or is craniotomy anticipated with this location?
*Possible complications
*Recovery course timeline
*Am I correct to anticipate a night or two in the PICU?
*Is fenestration usually done as a first option, then a shunt if the cyst reforms?
*We found the cyst while being worked up for migraines. The first neuro doc told us she has migraines unrelated to the cyst. Do these kids frequently have HA?
Thank you so much for your advice, opinions, and your thoughts and prayers!
With utmost respect for my pediatric peers,
Keep
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