Cystic formations in the head of a newborn child: causes and detection methods. Types of cysts in children

Parents should closely monitor the well-being of young children. It is necessary to immediately take the baby to the hospital if the child complains of vision problems, dizziness, intense pain in my head.

Brain cyst - serious pathology, which can lead to disorders in the brain. But if treatment is started on time and correctly, complications can be avoided.

This is a cavity structure that looks like a tumor, but is not one. A cyst in a child's head is benign education, has no relation to oncological diseases(cancer).

In rare cases, a person lives and does not know what is present in his brain tissue pathological formation. More often the development of cystic structures is accompanied by severe symptoms, preventing the child from living a full life.

Few parents know what a brain cyst is, how it manifests itself, and what effect it has on the child’s body.

The cystic growth looks like a spherical formation, the size of which reaches 5 cm. The surface of the formation is smooth and even, inside there is a cavity with liquid.

According to statistics for 2016, doctors diagnose cystic formations of the brain in 3 out of 10 children. Some babies have two or more formations in different areas brain

Small growths do not lead to the development of complications in the baby. And here large cysts, localized near areas of the brain important for life, are dangerous and require immediate long-term treatment.

Types of cysts in children

Localization points of cysts in the brain.

Cysts are divided into types depending on the point of localization in the brain:

Causes of pathology

Immediately after childbirth, a cyst in a newborn baby may be a consequence of birth or postpartum trauma heads. And also common reason pathologies in newborn children - abnormal development nervous system.

In infants, factors that provoke the appearance of cystic growths are:

meningitis, encephalitis and others inflammatory diseases infectious etiology;
violation cerebral circulation;
traumatic brain injuries;
cerebral hemorrhage;
genetic predisposition;
problematic intrauterine development, maternal illnesses during pregnancy.

The above factors cause small child necrosis of brain tissue. For this reason, a cavity appears in the brain. It gradually fills with a liquid substance, leading to compression of the surrounding tissues.

Manifestation of pathology

Symptoms are caused by the underlying pathology that contributed to the formation of the cyst. Therefore, each patient's symptoms are individual. However, for many children, the first signs of a cyst are headaches and blurred vision. Gradually, the symptoms are complemented by:

a feeling of pulsation and pressure in the head of infants;
hearing impairment, tinnitus;
epilepsy;
constant or periodic paresis;
periodic fainting;
impaired coordination of movements.

Diagnostics

Understand by external signs It is quite difficult to know that the baby has cystic formations in his head. To put accurate diagnosis, the neurologist sends little patient for the following studies:

Ultrasound of the brain - safe procedure carried out for babies from the first weeks of life and premature babies;
computed tomography (CT), used for difficult diagnostics, showing in detail brain pathologies;
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which determines the presence of even the smallest pathological formations in the brain.

To identify cystic formations, doctors prefer to perform MRI; if diagnosis is difficult, they inject a contrast agent into the brain tissue.

Treatment of brain cysts in children

In many cases, no treatment needs to be applied to cystic growths. If the cyst does not grow and does not affect the baby’s well-being, then the doctor limits himself to monitoring it. If the pathological formation begins to grow, then medical specialist decides what to do: drug treatment or surgical intervention.

Drug therapy

This type of therapy is used if the baby’s cyst develops slowly. Medicines are prescribed to normalize blood circulation in the brain:

Actovegin;
Cortexin;
Instenon;
Cerebrolysin.

If the pathology is caused by an infection, then additional antibiotics are prescribed. To strengthen immune system Immunostimulants and vitamins are prescribed. The dosage and course of taking the drugs are determined by the doctor.

Surgical intervention

A fast-growing cyst is removed surgical method. There are 2 types of surgical intervention:

palliative – bypass surgery and endoscopy;
radical – craniotomy.

Bypass surgery is characterized by low trauma, but there is a risk of infection. The contents from the cystic cavity are removed using shunt tubes. As a result, the size of the formation decreases, and the brain tissue returns to normal.

Endoscopy – modern and safe option removal of the growth using an optical device - an endoscope.

Trepanation is a difficult and unsafe operation to excise a tumor, often leading to serious violation health.

After surgery, the baby may develop constant pain in the head, dizziness, problems with hearing, vision and speech. Therefore, doctors only send small patients for surgery when absolutely necessary.

IN Lately Infants are increasingly experiencing various pathologies, among which a cyst in the head of a newborn occupies a leading position. Indeed, according to statistics, almost every third baby has this disease. But until recently, experts did not even suspect that even a newly born child could have cysts in the head. However, modern technological advances have also affected the field of diagnostics. Improved equipment is becoming available that makes it possible to accurately image tumors, even if they are too small, and located in the head of premature babies. But for what reasons does this pathology affect newborns?

More about the disease

A cyst in a child’s head is a cavity filled with secretion, belonging to a large group of intracranial tumors. Although cystic formations are not equivalent to malignant type and most of them can resolve on their own; they require careful examination and close supervision by specialists. The fact is that further growth in education can lead to developmental disorders in infants and even death.

Important! A cyst in a newborn is an intracranial neoplasm of benign origin and develops during embryogenesis or during labor.
A similar disease can be detected using ultrasound when scanning a large fontanel. However this procedure They are performed quite rarely (usually when some pathology is suspected), so neither doctors nor parents know about the existence of a cystic tumor until visible abnormalities appear in the infant.
Varieties of the disease
Cystic neoplasms are recognized among themselves by their location in patients.
A cyst in a newborn can be of the following types:
arachnoid;
cerebral.

The first type of tumors are born on the arachnoid membrane, outside the brain itself, and the second type is formed directly inside the organ. Depending on the location, as well as the brain tissue affected by the tumor, it is divided into several types with individual clinical characteristics:
A colloid cystic tumor occurs during the formation of the embryonic brain. The disease may long years occur without significant symptoms, but if the cyst enlarges, there is a risk of developing hydrocephalus, which implies urgent intervention neurosurgeons.
An epidermoid cyst is one of the safest pathological objects, whose secretion includes horny scales, and the walls of the tumor are flat epithelium.
Cystic type dermoid tumor occurs against the background of the germ layers of the epidermis, and therefore includes hair follicles and undifferentiated pigment tissues.
A cerebellar cyst may have certain symptoms or occur in the patient without significant signs of the disease. Cystic formations of small size may disappear on their own, but if the pathology begins to increase, then there is a high probability of problems in coordination, changes in gait, and others. negative signs(changes in handwriting, gestures, etc.).
A porencephalic cyst is quite rare pathology, capable of forming in any part of the brain. Typically, a neoplasm occurs on necrotic organ tissues and can lead to the development of serious complications such as hydrocephalus and schizencephaly.
The intermediate velum cyst is formed due to embryonic brain development or postembryonic process. At the embryonic level, the velum intermedius cyst occurs during fold development soft shell brain in the form of a cavity pocket. In the postembryonic period in some cases The cyst of the intermediate velum remains along with the cavity pocket. However, this pathology is not inherently a serious disease, since neoplasms usually do not increase in volume and rarely progress. If the cyst of the intermediate sail has not worsened yet childhood, then it may not show any signs of its existence throughout the patient’s life. However, development secondary formations cystic type in the brain may be the root cause of the velum intermedius cyst starting pathological progression.
A pseudocyst of the brain in newborns is similar in structure to a regular cystic formation, since it is also a cavity filled with secretion. Tumors can occur singly or in pairs, located on both sides in certain areas of the brain. Pathology often occurs against the background of injuries during birth process or due to disturbances in the development of the embryo in the womb (circulatory disorders, hypoxia, hemorrhages). Pseudocyst of the brain in a newborn does not affect his health and further development mental and physical direction. These tumors usually disappear on their own 10-12 months after birth.

Depending on the type of cystic formation and its location in the baby, specialists, having collected sufficient information, will be able to determine the causes of the development of the pathology and its possible consequences.
Why do they arise?
The main reasons for the formation of cystic formations in the brain in a child lie in disorders of the development of the nervous system of the embryo. The pathology may be related to infectious diseases that the patient suffered from expectant mother. Viruses tend to penetrate the placental barrier and cause inflammation of the fetal brain. As a result of these intrauterine ailments, cystic formation.
The formation of a cyst in the head of a newborn child may be caused by an injury received during childbirth. Successfully crossing the birth canal by a baby requires not only serious effort, but also special properties that the baby has - a change in the skull (tapering for comfortable passage). But certain structural features of the skull and abnormal positioning of the head are the root causes of injuries and the development of cysts.
After injury, a hematoma of intracranial origin occurs, where brain cells are replaced by secretions, giving rise to cerebral cystic tumor. According to an identical principle, a cyst is formed after damage and inflammatory processes. Regular inflows of cerebrospinal fluid into the resulting cavity provoke intracranial hypertension with the risk of developing swelling of brain cells and problems in the functional ability of life necessary centers. This factor leads to impulsive pain in the head and vomiting. The above reasons can lead to the death of brain tissue, as well as cause serious problems in the development of the baby. In rare cases, in the absence of qualified intervention, the child may die.
How to notice the presence of pathology?
A small child may not feel a cyst in the brain unless it grows to a certain size, causing disturbances in the psycho-emotional state of the newborn.
Already 2 months after birth, the mother will be able to notice the first signs of pathology in the baby’s brain based on certain symptoms:
regular, excessive regurgitation of food;
problems with coordination of movement of the upper and lower extremities;
refusal of breastfeeding;
psychomotor retardation;
baby's lag in weight and height;
convulsive attacks.

The clinical picture directly depends on the location of the cyst in the head and the areas of the brain on which the pathology puts pressure.
The formation of brushes in the brain in newborns may for a long time occur without symptoms, thereby causing no cause for concern for parents. But trauma or infectious diseases experienced by a child can trigger active progression illness, tumor doubling and the occurrence of acute brain symptoms.

Cyst or cystic neoplasm- a fairly common diagnosis in newborns, but sometimes it is given to babies aged 2-3 months. This pathology can be found in any part of the body, however, cysts of the head and brain are the undisputed leaders among their own kind. There are cystic formations different types, the choice of therapy depends on this. What treatment methods exist for these pathologies? Could there be consequences?

Signs of pathology

How can a cyst be detected and what symptoms of this pathology exist? Signs of the disease may vary, depending on where the tumor is located, as well as possible complications. Note that a small cyst may not cause discomfort in the baby and may be invisible to parents. The most obvious signs of this pathology:

tremor of the baby's arms and legs;
convex fontanel;
uncoordinated movements;
lethargy, delayed reaction to stimuli;
insensitivity to pain;
frequent and profuse regurgitation;
convulsions;
hypertonicity or hypotonicity of a muscle group;
problems with hearing, vision;
insomnia;
headaches, which can be judged by the baby’s restless behavior and crying;
mental retardation.

These signs may be present in various combinations and have varying degrees expressiveness. Moreover, in 9 out of 10 children, the cyst goes away on its own without any treatment. However, in some cases it is required surgery. The surgeon may suggest removal of the tumor if:

it is innate and tends to grow rapidly;
appeared in the child after birth;
It has big sizes, puts pressure on surrounding tissues, which creates a danger of mechanical impact on the brain.

If the diagnosis is made on time and adequate treatment is prescribed, the tumor can be eliminated. It is important that parents consult a doctor in a timely manner and carefully follow the doctor’s prescriptions. May be shown drug therapy or surgery.

Types of cysts

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This is what a brain cyst looks like on an MRI

We have already mentioned that a cyst can be congenital pathology, or may appear after the birth of the baby:

In the first case, the neoplasm appears as a result of developmental disorders of the child while he is in the womb. It is also possible that inflammatory process after asphyxia that occurred at birth.
In the second case, cystic formation may occur as a complication after injury or an inflammatory process. Next, we will consider the types of these pathologies.

Choroid plexus cyst

The choroid plexus captures small area membrane of the brain, which begins to secrete secretory fluid. This fluid accumulates and is gradually compressed by surrounding tissues. As a result, a cavity filled with contents is formed - a choroid plexus cyst.

Such neoplasms occur in a child during intrauterine development. They can be diagnosed by a doctor during an ultrasound session. It is believed that vascular species Cysts in the fetus occur as a result of an infectious disease suffered by a woman during pregnancy - usually we're talking about about herpes and its varieties.

As a rule, cysts from blood vessels have time to resolve before the baby is born and do not pose a great danger. However, in rare cases, they remain with the baby after birth. If such a formation occurs in a baby, it is possible various options developments of events.

Here great importance has an area where the tumor is localized. For example, a choroid plexus cyst in the cerebellum can cause dizziness and coordination problems. A formation on the back of the head often leads to visual impairment; if the pituitary gland is affected, convulsions, hearing problems, paralysis of parts of the limbs, a decrease or increase in the normal production of hormones responsible for sexual development are possible.

Dr. Komarovsky states that this education is physiological and does not even require the supervision of specialists. In his opinion, the so-called pseudocyst of vascular connections does not require treatment.

Subependymal cyst

In the brain there is lateral ventricles- left and right. These are areas filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Sometimes a cyst forms in the area of their walls; it is called subependymal. This type of neoplasm is much more dangerous than the previous one.

The main reasons for its appearance:

Cerebral ischemia, which is the result of a circulatory disorder in any part of it. As a result, the problem area of the brain tissue dies, which leads to the appearance of a cavity. Over time, the empty space fills with cerebral fluid. If such a formation begins to increase in size, it puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, which leads to disruption of the structure of the brain and displacement of its parts relative to each other. In such a situation, the baby may begin to have convulsions and general weakness.
Hemorrhage. This happens due to birth injuries, asphyxia, and infection of the fetus. If this happened during childbirth or after, it will be easier to cope with the problem, otherwise the prognosis worsens. The situation is aggravated by the fact that subependymal cysts are not treated with medications.

Arachnoid cyst

The brain is surrounded by membranes, one of which is called the arachnoid. Its tissues are located in close proximity to the brain. New growth, filled serous fluid on the arachnoid membrane, and there is an arachnoid cyst. Doctors believe that the appearance of a primary, that is, congenital cystic formation is associated with disturbances in the intrauterine development of the meninges. The neoplasm can be secondary or acquired. Then its appearance is associated with injuries received or the consequences of diseases.

Arachnoid cysts tend to grow, reaching 4-5 cm in diameter. Such a “bump” on the membrane of the brain during growth compresses its area, which can lead to unpredictable complications.

Often, 2-3 month old patients with this diagnosis experience epileptic seizures. At similar pathology requires constant monitoring by a neurologist. Causes of the occurrence and development of arachnoid cysts:

skull injuries;
infectious diseases such as meningitis;
cerebral hemorrhages.

Retrocerebellar cyst

A retrocerebellar cyst occurs due to a violation of cerebral circulation. This can be caused by injuries, inflammation after past diseases. In the brain tissue - the “gray matter”, which has died due to lack of normal blood circulation, a cavity filled with fluid appears. A retrocerebellar cyst may not manifest itself in any way, but can cause disorders such as headaches, partial loss of hearing, vision, convulsions, nausea and loss of consciousness.

Periventricular cyst

This cystic formation forms in the “white matter” of the brain, due to abnormalities of intrauterine development or complications after undergoing infectious diseases. A periventricular cyst is a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and can cause paralysis in an infant.

Such diseases are not often diagnosed, and the choice of treatment method in each specific case may be different. As a rule, both surgical intervention and pharmacological therapy are required.

Porencephalic cyst

This type of tumor can occur in any part of the brain. Pathology begins to form in place of necrotic or completely dead tissue. If a porencephalic cyst is detected, treatment should be started as soon as possible, since it can cause serious complications. There are frequent cases of diseases such as hydrocephalus, as well as the development of brain abnormalities - schizencephaly.

Intermediate velum cyst

A cyst in the intermediate velum in a newborn is a fairly common phenomenon. During the early stages of pregnancy, the brain is formed in the embryo. Soft folds appear meninges, which is called an intermediate sail and looks like a pocket. This pocket eventually transforms into other brain structures, but in rare cases it remains and degenerates into a cyst. If education does not manifest itself while the child is small, it may continue to remain in its place in calm state throughout his life.

Subarachnoid cyst

Subarachnoid cyst of the brain on an MRI image

This neoplasm forms on two layers of the brain membrane at once - the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane. It can appear anywhere in the shells. The reasons for its occurrence are: postoperative complications on the brain, meningitis, as well as connective tissue abnormalities syndrome. However, subarachnoid cysts in newborns are extremely rarely diagnosed.

Dermoid cyst

Dermoid cysts represent separate form formations that are localized on the surface of the head, they can also form on the neck, near the collarbones, in the middle part of the sternum. If we talk about a tumor in the head area, it is often located in the corners of the eyes, behind the ear, on the back of the head, in the area of the nose, and mouth. It is believed that the locations of dermoids correspond to those areas where the embryo had the rudiments of gills, which disappear by the eleventh week of intrauterine life.

A dermoid cyst on a child’s head most often represents a dense neoplasm, inside of which there is a viscous mass mixed with follicles and hair particles. Photos of such a pathology on the scalp can be found on the Internet. It needs to be deleted surgically, since such a neoplasm has no tendency to resolve.

How is a cyst diagnosed?

Brain ultrasound procedure

To put final diagnosis and determine the type of pathology, the doctor must see the results of ultrasound or neurosonography. This study is safe, even during the session infant usually behaves calmly. It is worth noting that this diagnostic method is only possible in children in the first year of life whose fontanel has not yet closed (more details in the article:). The fact is that the bones of the skull do not transmit ultrasound or distort the waves. Due to the fact that cysts are often found in children after birth trauma, this type of ultrasound is indicated for all children who have suffered asphyxia, as well as premature babies - those who were born prematurely.

Treatment

Treatment methods for a cyst depend on its size and location. Some types of them do not require treatment at all.

Almost all vascular or subependymal cysts resolve on their own; over time, studies show a decrease in their size or complete disappearance. However, if the doctor finds an infection, it will need to be treated and only then repeated. ultrasonography.

If the cyst has a significant diameter or is of a type that does not resolve on its own, it is removed. It is advisable to remove retrocerebellar and dermoid cysts. This operation is performed urgently if:

the neoplasm quickly increases in size;
During the growth of the cyst, important areas of the brain are affected;
the child has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus;
the patient often experiences seizures;
there is a significant increase in intracranial pressure;
hemorrhage occurred.

After deciding to remove the cyst, the specialist will offer several options for getting rid of the tumor. In some cases, it can only be removed with a scalpel. Today there are such methods of surgical intervention.

Women strive for motherhood, although this is associated with many not only pleasant moments, but also anxieties and worries about their child. One of the problems that parents face is in the head of a newborn. By international classification(ICD) this disease is coded ICD-10. We will tell you why it appears, what it is, how to treat it, what not to do, and whether prevention is possible.

The very diagnosis of “brain cyst in a newborn” sounds ominous, but it is quite often given to infants. This disease is treatable and is not as terrible as it seems. According to statistics, out of 100 newborns, 40 have a brain cyst of small diameter, which does not bother them. Sizes and quantities may vary, therefore the therapy will differ. Modern drugs allow you to cure a cyst quickly and without complications, but it is important to start treatment at the first symptoms.

The essence of pathology

The fact that, according to statistics, the disease has become much more common than before is not due to the fact that the pathology has become more frequent, but to the improvement of diagnostic methods. They have become more accurate and accessible.

A cyst is a pineal-shaped cavity that contains fluid inside. It can be found in almost any part of the body. Do not be afraid that this tumor has appeared on the brain of a newborn. Often it disappears on its own, simply dissolving. These tiny bubbles don't always carry serious danger, multicystic brain disease is more dangerous.

Brain cysts are often found in children. It can be single or multiple (polycystic), can grow quickly or stop growing altogether. The tumor can grow on only one side of the brain tissue or on both sides at once. Very often, small bubbles with liquid resolve on their own. Not only newborns, but also adolescents, adults, and the elderly can suffer from this phenomenon. In general, this is a multifaceted pathology.

A vascular cyst in a child’s brain can be detected in the womb. It is normal and often resolves on its own. Despite this, the disease is considered dangerous, since if its location is unsuccessful, large size, it can prevent the brain from performing its functions correctly. It is also dangerous if the tumor interferes with the functioning of the glands internal secretion. There are cases fatal outcome with such a pathology.

Often a brain cyst is observed with. This is extremely serious illness which requires long-term treatment and rehabilitation.

Today, diagnostic methods have reached amazing heights. They have become very accurate and accessible. Even during pregnancy, you can determine the presence of a cyst. Most often it is a choroid plexus cyst (CPC).

Diagnosis can also be carried out in a newborn. It is recommended to carry out a study of the newborn's brain if there is a birth injury, the pregnancy was problematic or suspicious signs appeared. These tiny bubbles can be unmistakably detected immediately after the baby is born.

If there are no direct indications, then newborns do not undergo brain ultrasound. Certain symptoms may indicate that there is a cyst.

Symptoms

A small cyst has virtually no effect on the baby’s body. This is just a small bubble of liquid that dissolves on its own over time. When a large tumor begins to compress the tissues, they swell and grow intracranial pressure. Due to pressure and swelling, an irreversible process of tissue death begins. The symptoms are different. They directly depend on the size and location of the tumor.

There are areas that are extremely important for proper operation the most important organs feelings. It is their defeat that poses the greatest danger. Speech, coordination, and mental development may be impaired.

Parents should be alert to the following alarming symptoms:

A newborn often burps, and this is not associated with eating or swallowing air.
The baby does not latch on to the breast.
There is a lack of coordination, the baby moves his arms and legs strangely.
There are cramps.
Reaction inhibition is observed.
The baby doesn't sleep well.
The baby is lagging behind in weight gain and growth.

If there are similar problems, you urgently need to show the baby to a neurologist.

As the cyst grows, even more dangerous manifestations appear:

Severe vomiting occurs.
Limbs are shaking.
Sleep is disturbed.
There is muscle tension (hypertonicity).
The baby cries all the time.
The sensitivity of the limbs decreases.
The fontanel area protrudes.

Polycystic lesions are especially dangerous, which often provokes several complications at once.

Let's understand the reasons

The causes of a cyst in the head of a newborn child are even now questionable. It has been noticed that often this pathology appears after meningitis, hemorrhage, or injury. Often, a neoplasm appears in the child’s brain tissue.

Among the reasons are the following:

Impaired fetal development due to virus penetration.
Birth injury.
Inflammation of the brain tissue of a newborn, head trauma after birth, tumors.
Circulatory disorders.

There is a main reason - the development of the fetus was disrupted during pregnancy. Some diseases of the expectant mother may also be the culprits.

Doctors advise to constantly monitor your health during pregnancy, take care of your immune system, avoid hypothermia and direct contact with the sick. Viruses are very dangerous for the fetus, because they can penetrate to it through the placenta, causing irreparable damage to tissues.

If an inflammatory process has started in the baby’s brain, cells and tissues begin to die, and they are replaced by a cavity with fluid – a cyst. Their appearance is most often provoked by the herpes virus - it is extremely dangerous even for adults, and can cause irreversible changes in the fetus.

Birth injuries are caused by the fact that sometimes the newborn's skull cannot pass through the birth canal correctly. It is compressed too much, causing tissue and bone injury. It is especially dangerous if the fetus is poorly positioned in the uterus. Trauma causes a brain hematoma; instead of cells, fluid appears, filling the cyst.

Kinds

Eat different types cysts, or rather two:

Arachnoid.
Cerebral (retrocerebellar).

The arachnoid is located between the brain and the membrane. Cerebral appears in the brain itself, where the area of inflammation is directly located.

There are also types of cysts:

Colloidal. It is characterized by the fact that it grows very slowly, and no symptoms are observed for a long time.
Epidermoid. It consists of horny scales, which are surrounded by an epithelial capsule.
Dermoid. It consists of the germinal parts of the skin (dermis). This neoplasm consists of hair follicles and pigment cells.
Pineal. This rare variety affects the pineal gland.

Another type is a cyst located in the choroid plexuses. It is often diagnosed in the womb, early stages fetal development. The brain has a plexus of blood vessels that produce cerebrospinal fluid. It is they that can often be affected, becoming the area where the cyst is located. With such a neoplasm, brain functions are not impaired; it develops normally. Choroid plexus cysts are often diagnosed in newborns. Often it goes away on its own without requiring any treatment, but you still need to consult a pediatric neurologist.

A subependemal cyst is considered a serious pathology. If it is diagnosed in a newborn, the child must be constantly monitored by a doctor. Among the causes are circulatory disorders in the vessels of the ventricles of the brain. Because of this, brain tissue suffers from oxygen deficiency. As a result, they begin to die off and are replaced by cavities with liquid.

Diagnostic methods

It is easy to diagnose children under one year old, since their fontanel has not yet had time to close. In this case, it is enough to conduct an ultrasound examination - neurosonography. The cyst is anechoic and can be easily seen on the screen. For children over a year old perform tomography.

It is especially important to conduct neurosonography if the child is born premature. Also, such a diagnosis is indicated if the newborn has suffered resuscitation measures at birth, or undergoes intensive care.

Another reason is problematic pregnancy or fetal hypoxia. In such cases, an ultrasound is performed in the maternity hospital.

Treatment

First of all, with such a diagnosis, parents need to cope with their feelings and proceed to therapy as calmly as possible. Correct treatment most often leads to full recovery. If the cyst is small and does not grow, and the baby does not change his behavior, it may not require treatment at all. It is enough just to show it to the doctor regularly.

The safest is considered to be a choroid plexus cyst. They do not treat it, but only observe the dynamics. The brain does not suffer in any way. But this does not mean that everything should be left to chance. It should be understood that the cyst appeared for some reason: an inflammatory process, infectious lesion. This means that the doctor must identify what specific infection led to the death of brain cells and urgently eliminate it. After a few months, even if the child’s condition does not cause any concern, you still need to repeat the ultrasound.

For subependymal cysts, it is necessary to conduct an MRI examination several times a year (done under general anesthesia in a closed loop) or MR. Treatment is not required if the cyst does not grow. Most likely, the brain tissue will recover on its own. Such cysts most often resolve without outside intervention, but they can cause serious complications if the cystic cavity enlarges. This leads to a lot of fluid accumulating inside it, and pressure increases. Over time, the cavity begins to put pressure on adjacent brain tissue.

Sometimes the tumor can grow quickly. At the same time it has Negative influence on tissues, vessels. A large cyst in a newborn compresses the tissues and changes their position. Because of this, the baby may experience seizures, which, if left untreated, quickly progress. Neurological symptoms in such cases increase, the child’s condition worsens, and a hemorrhagic stroke may even occur.

It is especially important to treat arachnoid cysts. It does not go away on its own, so surgery will be required. If such a neoplasm occurs, the child must be constantly monitored by a neurologist.

If the tumor is detected at an early stage, it will be enough conservative treatment. Three main groups of drugs are used:

antiviral;
to strengthen general condition immune system;
to improve blood circulation in the brain.

Medicines must be taken strictly according to the schedule until the doctor stops them. It is important to choose the dose accurately, since it is very easy to overdose on drugs for a newborn. To improve blood circulation and better lymphatic drainage, massage is recommended.

If it is definitely established that the cyst in a newborn continues to grow, the help of a surgeon may be required. He will have to remove the tumor. There can be two types of operation:

Palliative. The surgeon will remove the contents of the cyst without removing its walls. The disadvantage of this method is high probability relapse. For surgery, bypass or endoscopic intervention may be used. When a shunt is performed, the surgeon creates a channel in the child's head through which fluid is drained. Due to the shunt, brain tissue can become infected, which is a big disadvantage of such operations. At endoscopic method A tiny puncture is made in the head, through which the contents of the cyst are removed. This method cannot always be used, since some areas of the brain simply cannot be reached with an endoscope.
Radical. This open surgery on the brain, in which the bones of the skull are opened (the bone is drilled). Through the resulting hole, the cyst and adjacent tissue are removed. This is a traumatic method, after which a long recovery is required.

It is imperative to remove those cysts that grow quickly. They can seriously damage the brain and even threaten life.

IN last years Increasingly, young children are being diagnosed with various diseases, about which little was known just a few decades ago. Among them is a cyst in a newborn’s head. The fact is that diagnostic technologies are developing at a rapid pace, and new, very accurate equipment is appearing. This allows you to obtain a clear image and identify defects and features in newborns that were previously impossible to detect.

What is a cyst?

A fluid cavity in the fetal head may be detected during ultrasound examination women during pregnancy, for example, CSS (choroid plexus cyst). For certain indications (problems during pregnancy, trauma during childbirth), the study is carried out in newborns. A cyst in the head can be detected in the first days of life.

But ultrasound of the brain of newborns is not usually performed. Neither doctors nor parents suspect the presence of a cyst until a certain moment, until features or abnormalities appear in the child.

Manifestations and causes

When the cyst is small in size, it may not affect the condition of the newborn in any way. But the cavity grows and requires more and more space. The cyst begins to compress the brain. The pressure inside the skull increases, which leads to swelling and death of brain tissue. The signs and strength of their manifestation depend on the location and degree of growth of the cyst in the newborn’s head.

If the cyst is located in the back of the head, vision suffers, and the circumtemporal localization of the tumor causes hearing impairment. If the cerebellum is damaged in the head of a newborn baby, coordination is impaired and slows down. speech development. To find out the norm about speech development, read the article: When does a child start speaking?>>>. A cyst at the base of the skull causes problems in mental development.

You should consult a pediatric neurologist if you notice the following symptoms in your newborn baby:

The baby spits up profusely. This is permanent and is not associated with swallowing air while eating;
Loss of coordination when moving limbs;
The newborn refuses the breast;
Reactions are inhibited;
Convulsions occur;
The newborn does not gain weight well and is stunted;
Sleep is disturbed. What else can cause a baby to sleep poorly? Read the article: Why does a newborn sleep poorly?>>>

At rapid growth cysts of the ventricles of the brain in the head are displaced, even more serious disorders occur:

The child vomits profusely;
Tremor (trembling) of the limbs occurs;
The muscles are in hypertonicity (article on the topic: Hypertonicity in a newborn >>>);
The baby cries constantly;
The newborn's fontanel protrudes;
Decreased sensitivity in legs and arms.

There are several main causes of cysts in the head of a newborn:

Disturbances in the development of the fetal nervous system during pregnancy of the expectant mother. This is due to the consequences of certain diseases of a woman during pregnancy;

That is why doctors strongly recommend that during these 9 months you avoid contact with sick people, carefully monitor your health, avoid hypothermia, and strengthen your immune system. After all, viruses can penetrate from your body to the fetus through the placental barrier and cause irreparable harm baby.

As a result of the inflammatory process brain cells in the head die off, and in their place a cavity filled with fluid, that is, a cyst, forms. Most often, the cause of its appearance in the fetus is the herpes virus.

Injuries during childbirth. The skull of a newborn is elastic, between its parts there is connective tissue, cartilages, thanks to which during childbirth the bones of the head can overlap each other. This is how nature designed it so that the baby can walk along as easily as possible. birth canal and be born;

Inflammatory diseases of the brain in a newborn (meningitis, encephalitis), tumors, head injuries after birth;
Insufficient blood circulation to the brain.

Types of cysts

Depending on the location, cysts in the head can be of two types:

Arachnoid - located on the surface, between the brain and its membrane;
Cerebral - located inside the brain at the site of localization of the inflammatory process.

Has varieties:

Colloidal – grows slowly, symptoms do not occur for a long time;
Epidermoid - consists of horny scales located in a capsule of epithelium;
Dermoid - develops from germ layers skin. Consists of pigment cells, hair follicles;
Pineal – occurs in the pineal gland, a rare species.

A separate type of cyst in the head is a choroid plexus cyst. This benign neoplasm, which is usually detected in the fetus at a certain stage of development. The choroid plexus is a network of blood vessels in the brain responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Such a tumor in the head does not affect brain development. These cysts are diagnosed quite often and, as a rule, resolve on their own without medical intervention.

Treatment and consequences

If your newborn baby has a cyst in his head, there is no need to panic. If the neoplasm is small in size and does not cause concern or changes in the baby’s behavior, it only requires observation and control by a specialist. Identified on early stages a cyst in the head is treated conservatively, that is, with the help medicines. As a rule, three groups of funds are used:

to improve cerebral circulation in a newborn;
to strengthen the immune system;
antiviral.

If the tumor in the head increases in size, it is necessary surgery cysts in newborns, that is, removal. In practice, two types of interventions are used:

Palliative, in which the contents of the cyst in the newborn’s head are removed. The walls of the cavity are not removed, so there is a possibility of relapse (re-formation). There are two types of such operations:

Shunting is the creation of a channel in the newborn’s head to drain fluid. The method has a significant drawback: the risk of infection due to the shunt.

Endoscopic – the contents of the cyst are removed through a puncture in the newborn’s head. The operation has limitations due to the inaccessibility of some parts of the brain to the endoscope.

Radical – open surgery, accompanied by trepanation of the newborn’s skull (the formation of a hole in the bone). The cyst is removed completely along with the walls. The method is highly traumatic and has a longer recovery period.

The consequences of a cyst in the head of newborns depend on its size and development dynamics. A small tumor may not have noticeable symptoms, but a large one puts pressure on the brain and leads to impaired movement, sensitivity, and vision.

If your baby is diagnosed with a cyst, you should definitely see him. pediatric neurologist. At small sizes and the absence of cyst growth, you need to strengthen the newborn’s immunity, avoid infections, and take medications to improve blood supply to the brain.

If the tumor grows, it must be removed in time. Timely surgery will help avoid negative consequences in a newborn.