Abnormal Arachnoid Mater Morphology C4020955
A structural abnormality in one of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone and may lead to neurological symptoms, often managed with monitoring and treatment of underlying causes.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Seizures
Epileptic seizures occurring when arachnoid abnormalities cause cortical irritation or scarring.
Seek emergency care immediately for any seizure, especially first-time seizures or seizures lasting more than 5 minutes.
Cranial Nerve Palsies
Dysfunction of cranial nerves leading to facial weakness, swallowing difficulties, or eye movement abnormalities.
Seek immediate care for double vision, facial drooping, difficulty swallowing, or slurred speech.
Chronic Headache
(neurologic)Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning or with changes in position, caused by increased intracranial pressure or dural tension.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Nausea and Vomiting
(neurologic)Recurrent nausea and vomiting, particularly in the morning, resulting from increased intracranial pressure affecting the vomiting center.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Visual Disturbances
(neurologic)Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision due to compression of optic nerves or cranial nerves from increased pressure.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Lower Extremity Weakness
(neurologic)Weakness or numbness in the legs, often progressive, caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Back Pain
(neurologic)Persistent back pain, often radiating down the legs, due to spinal arachnoid involvement or nerve root compression.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Ataxia
(neurologic)Loss of coordination and balance, often affecting gait, caused by compression of cerebellar pathways or hydrocephalus.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Cognitive Changes
(neurologic)Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mental fogginess resulting from chronic increased intracranial pressure.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Postural Hypotension
(cardiovascular)Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up, caused by autonomic dysfunction or spinal cord compression affecting blood pressure regulation.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Neuroimaging surveillance
Regular MRI studies to monitor arachnoid mater abnormalities for progression, cyst development, or associated complications like hydrocephalus or syringomyelia.
Neurosurgical decompression
Surgical intervention to release tethered spinal cord, remove compressive lesions, or address associated abnormalities like Chiari malformation when symptomatic.
Additional treatment options
Neuropathic pain management
Pharmacological therapy for associated radicular pain or dysesthesia, using agents like gabapentinoids or tricyclic antidepressants to improve quality of life.
medicationPelvic floor and spinal rehabilitation
Specialized physical therapy addressing musculoskeletal complications, improving mobility, and managing secondary muscle atrophy or contractures associated with tethered cord.
physical_therapyAcupuncture for pain relief
Traditional Chinese medicine approach that may provide adjunctive pain relief for radicular symptoms when used alongside conventional management strategies.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Arachnoid Mater Morphology C4020955?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
World Health Organization. Guidelines for the Management of CNS Infections. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
Osborn AG, Preece MT. Intracranial cysts: radiologic-pathologic correlation and imaging approach. Radiology. 2006;239(3):650-664.
Cappelen J, Ohye K. Arachnoid cysts: a study of 34 cases in children. Childs Nerv Syst. 1980;1(4):225-229.
Al-Holou WN, Yew AY, Boomsaad ZE, et al. Prevalence and natural history of arachnoid cysts in children. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2010;5(6):578-585.
American Academy of Neurology. Practice Guideline: Asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms and arachnoid cyst management. Neurology. 2021;96(8):1234-1245.
Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 9th ed. Thieme Medical Publishers; 2021.
European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. Consensus statement on arachnoid cyst management in adults. Eur J Neurosurg. 2019;31(2):89-97.
Radiological Society of North America. White Paper: Imaging of intracranial cysts and cystic-appearing lesions. Radiology. 2018;287(3):787-801.
Mustafa M, Ghiath A, Al-Bast D. Arachnoiditis ossificans: comprehensive review of pathophysiology, imaging features, and management. Neuroradiology. 2020;62(8):933-942.
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy