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Rare Brain Cyst Causes Sudden Blindness in 30-Year-Old Patient; Emergency Surgery Restores Vision at Aster Hospital Mankhool
- Arachnoid cysts detected in only ~1.4% of brain MRI scans1
- Over 90% of arachnoid cysts remain asymptomatic and require no treatment1
- Condition is most commonly diagnosed in children, not adults1
- Arachnoid cysts causing sudden vision loss in adults are extremely rare1
- Only ~3–4% of patients with arachnoid cysts require surgery, making this case exceptionally rare, according to the treating neurosurgeon
Dubai, UAE – January 5, 2026
In a rare and complex medical case, Aster Hospital Mankhool successfully performed emergency brain surgery to restore the vision of Mr. Emad Arif Khan, a 30-year-old Pakistani real estate consultant, currently residing in Sharjah, who arrived at the hospital with sudden loss of vision in both eyes. In this case, the patient’s sudden blindness was caused by a rare brain cyst (large arachnoid cyst) creating dangerously elevated intracranial pressure, which compressed the areas of the brain responsible for vision, a true medical emergency. Until then, Mr. Emad had been healthy, independent, and able to perform all his daily activities, including driving.
Two weeks prior to seeking medical attention, Mr. Emad had recovered from a flu. Soon after, he began experiencing pain during eye movements, persistent frontal headaches, and gradually worsening blurred vision. Initially evaluated at another clinic and prescribed eye drops, his vision continued to deteriorate, making routine tasks such as reading, writing, managing household activities, and performing work increasingly difficult. Concerned about his rapidly declining vision, he approached the ophthalmology department at Aster Hospital Mankhool.
Dr. Parth Joshi, Specialist Ophthalmologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool immediately identified papilledema, swelling of the optic nerves, indicating dangerously elevated intracranial pressure. An urgent MRI revealed a large arachnoid cyst pressing on areas of the brain responsible for vision, along with a smaller cyst near the cerebellum. While arachnoid cysts themselves are not uncommon, occurring in approximately 1.4% of patients undergoing brain MRI, they are usually asymptomatic and rarely require surgery. More than 90% of arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic, affecting males 2–4 times more than females, most commonly diagnosed in childhood below 10 years, and often located in the middle part of the skull (50–60%). Arachnoid cysts causing sudden vision problems in adults are extremely rare.[1]
Recognizing the critical risk of permanent blindness, the neurosurgery team, led by Dr. Prakash Nair, Consultant Neurosurgeon, recommended immediate surgery. Dr. Nair performed surgery on the left side of the skull to open the cyst and relieve pressure inside the brain. The cyst was carefully drained, and a biopsy confirmed that it was benign.
Following surgery, Mr. Emad experienced temporary speech difficulty, a known effect of pressure changes in the brain, but he had no facial weakness, limb weakness, or seizures. Hospital care included early physiotherapy, DVT prevention, feeding support, and wound management, including the healing of a temporary fluid buildup under the scalp. Repeat CT and MRI scans confirmed significant cyst reduction, full brain re-expansion, and no postoperative complications.
By his discharge on 25 June 2025, Mr. Emad’s vision had improved significantly, headaches resolved, and he could independently perform all daily activities. Follow-up checks confirmed normal vision (6/6), normal eye pressure, no papilledema, and no neurological deficits, with a recommended MRI brain after two months. He recently traveled to his home country and reported enjoying a fully healthy, normal life.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Emad said ““When my vision loss occurred suddenly, it was a frightening experience that deeply worried me and my family. Even simple daily tasks became difficult. By the grace of Allah Almighty, I have completely recovered, and my vision has been fully restored.
I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Prakash, Dr. Parth, the dedicated nursing team, and all the staff at Aster Hospital, Mankhool. From housekeeping to security, everyone not only cared for me but also extended immense support and reassurance to my family during this challenging time. Their professionalism, compassion, and constant care gave us confidence and peace of mind throughout my treatment, and I am truly grateful for their role in helping me regain my quality of life.”
Dr. Prakash Nair, Consultant Neurosurgery, Aster Hospital Mankhool emphasized the rarity and significance of the case and said “Arachnoid cysts are usually asymptomatic and rarely affect vision. Only a small percentage (~3–4%) of patients require surgery, making this case exceptionally rare. Swift diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention were critical to saving Mr. Emad’s vision.”
Dr. Parth Joshi, Specialist Ophthalmology, Aster Hospital Mankhool, added “Early recognition of papilledema and urgent ophthalmic evaluation were key in identifying the underlying cause of Mr. Emad’s sudden vision loss. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, where ophthalmology and neurosurgery work closely together to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.”
This case highlights the importance of recognising early warning signs such as sudden vision changes, rapid diagnostic imaging, and multidisciplinary collaboration in emergency medical situations. With advanced diagnostics, expert ophthalmology assessment, and neurosurgical care, Aster Hospital Mankhool successfully restored full vision and quality of life for a patient at risk of permanent blindness.
