...and symptom of colloid cyst is headache. Less common presenting signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, memory loss, mental status changes, gait disorder, and visual disturbances. Surgical resection is the recommended treatment. Meticulous baseline and ongoing neurological assessments are of paramount importance in the care of a patient with a colloid cyst to promote optimal patient outcomes.

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A colloid cyst, or neuroepithelial cyst, is a slow-growing, benign tumor in the anterior third ventricle. The cyst usually blocks the foramen of Monro, causing obstructive hydrocephalus involving only the lateral ventricles. In the era before computed tomography (CT), a 20% rate of sudden death from colloid cysts was reported, possibly related to acute blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow with resultant herniation (Guner, Shaw, & Turner as cited in Greenberg, 2001). Patients most commonly present with signs of intermittent, acute intracranial hypertension, but can present with chronic hydrocephalus. Cysts that cause neurological signs and symptoms are usually greater than 1.5 cm in diameter (Greenberg). Using a case study, this article emphasizes the importance of neurological assessment in identification of potential complications in the patient with a colloid cyst. It also reviews the assessment findings, diagnosis, treatment options, and nursing implications related to the care of patients with colloid cysts.

Clinical Features

Patients with colloid cysts most commonly present with signs of intermittent, acute intracranial hypertension, attributed to movement of the cyst...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



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