Dural venous sinus cysts typically do not cause symptoms unless they grow large enough to interfere with the brain's normal blood flow. When these cysts expand and disrupt the venous circulation, they can become symptomatic.
When Do Symptoms Appear?
Symptoms associated with a dural venous sinus cyst primarily emerge when the cyst reaches a significant size, leading to the disruption of venous blood flow within the dural sinuses. Smaller cysts often remain asymptomatic and may only be discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms experienced by individuals with symptomatic dural venous sinus cysts are directly related to the impact on cerebral venous drainage. These include:
| Symptom Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Headaches | Often persistent and can vary in intensity. |
| Syncope | Episodes of fainting or temporary loss of consciousness. |
These symptoms arise because the cyst impedes the normal flow of blood out of the brain, potentially leading to increased intracranial pressure or reduced cerebral perfusion.
Diagnosis
If a dural venous sinus cyst is suspected based on symptoms, contrast-enhanced MRI scans are crucial for diagnosis. This advanced imaging technique provides detailed views of the brain's venous structures and can effectively highlight the cyst, helping to differentiate it from other conditions that might present with similar symptoms, such as sinus vein thrombosis.
