SOC
Surgery on Children

Surgery on Children Journal aims to publish issues related to Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatric Ear Nose Throat, Ophthalmology, Pediatric Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Pediatric Urology, Pediatric Surgical Intensive Care Clinic, and other clinical surgery fields on children of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

eISSN: 3023-7289
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Case Report
Progressively worsening headache due to arachnoid cyst in a teenager: a case report
Abstract
Headache is one of the most common neurological complaints in the pediatric population and encompasses a broad differential diagnosis. Although primary headache disorders constitute the majority of cases, secondary etiologies—including intracranial space-occupying lesions—must be considered, particularly in patients with persistent, progressive, or treatment-refractory symptoms. Arachnoid cysts are benign, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled, extra-axial lesions that are typically congenital in origin and arise from developmental abnormalities of the arachnoid membrane. While most arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and incidentally detected, symptomatic cases may present with chronic headache due to mass effect or impaired CSF circulation. They account for less than 1% of intracranial space-occupying lesions. Case Presentation: We report the case of a young female patient with long-standing, treatment-resistant headache without focal neurological deficits. Neuroimaging revealed an intracranial arachnoid cyst exerting mass effect consistent with increased intracranial pressure. Given the persistence of symptoms despite conservative management, surgical intervention was undertaken. The patient underwent cystoperitoneal shunt placement. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated marked clinical improvement with substantial reduction in headache severity and frequency. Radiological evaluation confirmed a significant decrease in cyst size and alleviation of mass effect. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation for secondary causes in pediatric patients presenting with refractory headache. Although arachnoid cysts are frequently incidental findings, symptomatic lesions may require surgical management. Cystoperitoneal shunting can provide favorable clinical and radiological outcomes in appropriately selected patients. Early recognition and timely intervention are essential to prevent prolonged morbidity.

Keywords : Arachnoid cyst, headache, shunt

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 103-106
https://doi.org/10.51271/SOC-0081
Article Information
Received : 08 May 2026
Accepted : 18 Tem 2026
Published : 29 Tem 2026
Corresponding Author :

Hakan Ak: Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Ak H, Coşkun E, Taşdöven RN, Özgül S. Progressively worsening headache due to a giant arachnoid cyst in a teenager: a case report. Surg Child. 2026;3(3):103-106. doi:10.51271/SOC-0081

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