Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Arachnoid cyst epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Arachnoid cysts occur in about 1.2% of the general population and are more frequently seen in men than in women.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology
- The prevalence of arachnoid cysts is estimated to be about 1200 in 100,000 of the general population;[1]
- Arachnoid cysts are more prevalent in men;
- 50% occur in the middle cranial fossa;
- One third of the cases occur in the posterior fossa;
- Temporal cysts are 70% left-sided.[1]
- Only 20% of these have symptoms, usually from secondary hydrocephalus.[2]
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: José Eduardo Riceto Loyola Junior, M.D.[2]