Update from Brain MRI

Question

This is the impression...No acute or other significant intracranial finding.  asymmetric right sided 9mm pineal cyst, likely benign.  this causes mild flattening of the superior colliculus but which usually is not significant clinically.  Miniaml ethmoid and frontal sinus mucosal thickening.  

This is the findings....Ventricular system appears normal. There is no abnormal signal 
within the brain with no restricted diffusion signal. No evidence of intracranial mass hemorrhage or abnormal extra-axial fluid collection. Eccentric small likely benign pineal cyst asymmetric to the right measuring maximally 9 mm in diameter which appears to cause mild flattening of the dorsal aspect superior colliculus. Intracranial flow voids unremarkable. Minimal ethmoid and frontal sinus mucosal thickening without fluid level. Orbits, IACs and mastoids, sella and craniocervical junction unremarkable. No skull abnormality. .

My doctor sent it to Neurology and he suggest I see a Neurosurgeon.  Any thoughts would be helpful.  I havent seen the films yet, and I have no clue what this means, I just got the results.   It dont sound bad, but so I guess maybe its not Chiari, but I will not give up till I find out.  My girlfriend is going to school for some medical stuff, so I sent her the report and she will hopefully tell me what it really means.  All I have found out so far from my own research is that pineal is usually bengin and that mild flattening of the superior colliculus could be whats causing the bad headaches in the back of my head.  So I guess I will have to go the Neuology forum.

anuragsrivastava · Accepted Answer

Hi, Thank you for your question. Pineal cyst is a brain cyst that may remain asymptomatic for long years. But if it is large it can cause headache, poor attention span, visual disturbance, paralysis, seizures and gait disorders. Therefore, surgical intervention is essential to remove the large cyst and if permanent damage needs to be avoided. Craniotomy, needle aspiration and cerebral shunts are common surgical treatment that may help. Please consult a neurologist right away in this regard. Hope this helps.

*Stormy* · Answer

That sounds about right...I get the same type of headaches a lot and it is believe to be from cranial nerve damage and weak muscle around the eyes...causing a lot of pain from just trying to see things..

I'm glad you have a different NL and I hope that he will be better for you..

Good luck!
Carolyn

redkim · Answer

That's great that he is going to help!  The monitoring seems normal for Pineal Cysts...

selmaS · Answer

That is wonderful that u have someone that is listening and trying all options...and doing testing to monitor....

Please keep us posted on how u do with this new neuro and the next MRI !!

"selma"

gngr78us · Answer

Just updating everyone.  I went to see the NS and he suggest we watch it my cyst.  I have to go back and see him in three months with a new MRI, which from reading, I thought he would say.  He does however want to help with my headahces which is a blessing.  He is sending me to his Neuro, with what he thinks is Occipital Neurelga(sp).  He asked me my symptoms and I told him, he put his hands on my head and could feel the tension/right where my headaches start, and suggest my muscles are over taking the occiptal nerve, which inturn are causing my headaches.  He asked what my other Neuro said and I told him he really didnt listen to me, and shoved meds at me.  So he then asked me if I would see another Neuro and I said I would if he would help me.  So I have a Neuro appt. for the end of the month.

*Stormy* · Answer

Good luck!!! Please do let us know what you find out.

Carolyn

selmaS · Answer

Good luck Jen !!!!

I pray this dr is a good fit for u and is able to offer u some form of relief.

"selma"

gngr78us · Answer

Well I have a appt. to see the Neurosurgeon on Tuesday.  Not sure if thats good or bad that I got in so fast.  But I will take what I can get due to my horrible headaches.  Wish me luck I will be sure and update you guys next week.
Jen

*Stormy* · Answer

Hello

Well, I am glad you are getting to the bottom of it...thank goodness for the dr and the great explanation. Please give us an update on what is going to happen from here!! Even if it's not Chiari, we would all like to know how you are doing :)

Carolyn

redkim · Answer

Here is what my MRI said: There is a cyst-like pineal gland measuring 11.5 MM maximum diameter, unchanged as compared to prior exam.  There is possibly slight capsular enhancement surrounding the pineal gland, however, the enhancement could represent simply displaced vessels of the galenic system.

redkim · Answer

Just wanted to let you know that I have Chiari and also a Pineal Cyst...Mine measures 11.5 MM at the largest part.  When I was told I have this about 1.5 years ago the doctor said it needs to be monitored every six months to ensure it's not getting bigger.  MRI's (3 - since I wasn't told about it until 2009) since 2004-now have showen no change so I was told I can go every year or two between MRI's.

I really don't know much about the Pineal Cyst, could you please keep me informed about what your doctor says?

All the best!

gngr78us · Answer

Yes the Dr. did answer me and Thanks Dr.  I am currently looking for a good Neurosurgeon in the Hampton Roads Area.  My Doctor sent my report to the Neurologist and he suggested I go to a Neurosurgeon, so thats where I am going.  Thanks everyone for all your help.

selmaS · Answer

Hi I am so glad u posted an update on ur MRI...it seems the Dr from the Neuro forum answered u better that I could have.....

Please keep us posted on what u find out and the progress u make health wise as well as treatment wise : )

"selma"