Non-neoplastic cysts in the CNS may be acquired or developmental.

The acquired ones are due to trauma, degeneration, infective, and vascular insults.

They are discussed in the appropriate sections.

 

Developmental cysts comprise 1.3% of all intracranial space occupying lesions.

They mimic a brain tumor clinically, until radiological imaging is done. They cause symptoms due to pressure, infection, and rupture. Clinically they present with seizures and focal signs and symptoms, just like any brain tumor, depending on the location, and associated features of intracranial pressure.

 

Spinal cysts present as any other spinal cord tumors with pain, and myelopathy; in addition, there is invariably some kind of associated vertebral anomaly. Average age at presentation is about 20 years, and range from prenatal to middle age.

 

They are discussed elsewhere. 

They include:

 Archnoid cysts, Rathke's cleft cyst, Ependymal cysts, & Porencephalic cysts.

 Epidermoids, Dermoids, & Neuroenteric cysts.  and

 Colloid cyst of the third ventricle.