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What Causes Dizziness And Vision Problems When Suffering From Pineal Cyst?
Question: My neuro says my 1cm pineal cyst is incidental, asymptomatic, not compressing or touching anything. Yet I suffer dizziness & vision issues. All my doctors (neuro, endo, GP, general surgeon) reviewed my MRI & agree it is not the cause of my symptoms & rather stress is to blame. But I am concerned the cyst is to blame. Is it?
Brief Answer:
They are right it shouldn't cause any symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. It must look frightening to be told that you have something in your brain and reassurances that it's not important might look hard to believe.
A pineal cyst is a common finding. Studies have shown it to be present in 4% of MRIs and small cysts have been found in as many as 40% of autopsies (performed for other reasons). So as you see its finding should not prompt any unncecessary intervention as usually are small, unchanging and asymptomatic.
Generally if <2cm of diameter there is no need for intervention and only follow up is needed. Since you say no compression has been found on the MRI means, no influence on cerebral spinal fluid flow, there is no cause for it to cause those symptoms that you mention.
Follow-up means control MRIs, the first one after six months and then if no significant changes are observed from the baseline study, yearly MRIs.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
They are right it shouldn't cause any symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. It must look frightening to be told that you have something in your brain and reassurances that it's not important might look hard to believe.
A pineal cyst is a common finding. Studies have shown it to be present in 4% of MRIs and small cysts have been found in as many as 40% of autopsies (performed for other reasons). So as you see its finding should not prompt any unncecessary intervention as usually are small, unchanging and asymptomatic.
Generally if <2cm of diameter there is no need for intervention and only follow up is needed. Since you say no compression has been found on the MRI means, no influence on cerebral spinal fluid flow, there is no cause for it to cause those symptoms that you mention.
Follow-up means control MRIs, the first one after six months and then if no significant changes are observed from the baseline study, yearly MRIs.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thank u. My neuro says I do not need follow up MRIs & assures me it csnt grow. But how can she know that it seens negligent
Brief Answer:
Follow up MRI is generally recommended.
Detailed Answer:
As I said the overwhelming part of the pineal cysts do not grow, actually it's more probable that it will shrink in size as years go by. That is because hormonal factors are thought to play a role as suggested by the fact that they are more common in women aged 20-30 years and almost never after menopause.
So it is not a case of your neurologist not knowing what she is talking about, chances are she'll be proven right eventually.
However most doctors do follow up with imaging for a certain time. The number of months can vary among different clinics, some may say 6 months some might say a couple of years, it is done more as a precaution anyway, but it is done usually.
It doesn't mean it'll have to be for the rest of your life, if size is constant it can be done in longer intervals, if decreasing in size or constant for several years no need to be done anymore.
There are some suggesting it is not necessary unless symptoms develop, your neurologist is not alone. I guess it also depends on where you live as MRI machines are not easily available everywhere.
In most western countries though as I said, pineal cysts, especially those 10mm or more are followed with at least one control imaging study.
I hope to have been of help
Follow up MRI is generally recommended.
Detailed Answer:
As I said the overwhelming part of the pineal cysts do not grow, actually it's more probable that it will shrink in size as years go by. That is because hormonal factors are thought to play a role as suggested by the fact that they are more common in women aged 20-30 years and almost never after menopause.
So it is not a case of your neurologist not knowing what she is talking about, chances are she'll be proven right eventually.
However most doctors do follow up with imaging for a certain time. The number of months can vary among different clinics, some may say 6 months some might say a couple of years, it is done more as a precaution anyway, but it is done usually.
It doesn't mean it'll have to be for the rest of your life, if size is constant it can be done in longer intervals, if decreasing in size or constant for several years no need to be done anymore.
There are some suggesting it is not necessary unless symptoms develop, your neurologist is not alone. I guess it also depends on where you live as MRI machines are not easily available everywhere.
In most western countries though as I said, pineal cysts, especially those 10mm or more are followed with at least one control imaging study.
I hope to have been of help
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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