I am diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst in my left frontal lobe. 1st mri showed the size: 9243*42mm. recent mri showed the size: 98*45*35. i tolerated steroids for four days just. now having bad headaches. shunt surgery is really the only option?

It is not feasible to comment on the need for surgery in absence of imaging review and history and physical exam. Most arachnoid cysts are lifelong and relatively benign. I would seriously doubt that it is causing your headaches, unless, you now have a mass effect causing increased intracranial pressure. Maybe, a virtual consult can help (www.connect@healthtap.com)