Hello--my name is hutch and I am new to this site. I am 49 years old and they first found my posterior fossa arachnoid cyst back in 92. 2 years after I had a cervical laminectomy. They also told me that I probably had this since birth and it was not the cause of my problems. I have always had migraines since a child, mostly brought on by heat or exersion. I always had ear pain--writers cramp--and mood problems. In the past 4 yrs or so I have developed many new neuro issues. I have been diagnosed with partial epilepsy, cervical dystonia, vocal cord dysphonia, mieniers disease and possible Meiges syndrome---also of note I got bells palsy in 1980 after the birth of my first child. In my research I have found there is a link between my arachnoid cyst and my facial palsy. A few doctors over the years questioned whether it was bells, because I never recovered from it. I spent 23 years trying all kinds of anti depressants---and none of them worked. I am now on Lamictal (anti-siezure). I feel better then I ever have, but not 100% but much better. It took all this time to find out I was having seizures. I have been going to John Hopkins for all my neurological issues and am being followed by a Neuro surgeon there. I just saw him a week ago for a follow up MRI. It has not changed in size. I asked him how I have a golf ball size cyst in my brain---a whole slew of neuro problems--yet nothing is connected to each other. My surgeons response was: There is a big piece of the puzzle missing with me, and right now he does not feel confident that he could help me because the harm he could cause over rides the benefit that would occur do to the surgery. He said brain surgery is not a piece of cake and I said---either are my symtoms. The surgeon said that at another time the puzzle piece might jump out at him and he may feel differently down the road?? This has all been frustrating, so I certainly know how you feel. I love John Hopkins---they have been wonderful to me, and have worked hard to figure me out. I was recently told about the Chiari Institute which is located around the country. I live in PA so I would go to the one in Great Neck NY. I have a call into them to see If I could make an appointment. All the do is work on malformations of the brain. I don't know if you have a place like that near you? The reason your doctor changed his mind might be because it is a very bad location on your brain and is dangerous. I agree with you---I would be willing to take the chance just to possibly have a somewhat normal life. I wish you all the best--Keep in touch and I will let you know if anything comes up positive with my AC. Take good care----hutch