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Pineal cyst

For the past 8 months I have been experiencing a pressure-type pain in my left eye and on the left side of my head. My vision has decreased in my left eye (I could read the same line with each on during eye tests in the past but now I have to look up two more rows to be able to read the test with my left eye). I get little flashes of lights and floaters in my left eye also. I thought it was an eye problem so I saw an Opthamologist who told me my left optic nerve is swollen so he referred me to a Neuro-Opthamologist who said it was elevated, not swollen, and told me to get an MRI because it wasn't an eye issue. I got an MRI and it says I have a "6mm incidental pineal cyst. No mass effect on the tectum." My Primary Care Doctor is the one who read me the results and said the MRI was normal but when I read the results later and Googled pineal cyst it doesn't SOUND normal. I have a lot of symptoms that seem to be associated with a pineal cyst; listed above and I was diagnosed with a sleep/wake cycle disorder. Should I be following up with a Neurologist???
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539750 tn?1226521677
Chiari Malformation is where the brain is too big for the skull and the cerabellum is pushed into the spinal column blocking the spinal fluid and creating intercranial pressure.  Partof my skull was removed to make more room for my cerabellum and the spinal fluid.  It would apprear on the MRI, although it's often not reported.  Even when I was diagnoised with it my primary care doctor told me it was nothing to worry about.  Years later and multiple visits to the doctors for various symptoms I requested to see a nuerosuregon.  This was after extensive research on the internet.  I would see the nuerologist for an evaluation.
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Avatar universal
What exactly is a Chiari Malformation?  Would this have shown up on my MRI/CT scans?  

I am actually more concerned about the bleeding they mention that is around my cyst.  I have noticed just in the past week that I have a lot more pressure behind my eyes.  I am able to look up but it seems more difficult.

As I mentioned, I have another appt tomorrow with my neuro, should be interesting to see what he has to say about this!  
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539750 tn?1226521677
I have a pineal cyst 11MM.  I too was not told about it.  At the time of my MRI in 2004 the doctor told me I have Chiari Malformation.  In late 2008 I saw an NS for my Chiari and he told me about the cyst.  We were having it monitored every six months to see if it got bigger, it hasn't so now I will be getting yearly MRI's.

Chiari Malformation (which I had brain surgery for - part of skull removed and durra patch) causes headaches, vision problems.  What the NS did tell me is if you can't look up (keep head straight and try to look at ceiling) that is a clue the cyst is causing problems.  I am skeptical about doctors, so if I was you I would make an appointment to see someone.   I haven't seen an ophthalmologist - I did have Lasik in 2005 and my vision in my left has deteriorated.

I have recently had sleep problems, but also believe I sleep apnea.  Most doctors won't do anything about the cyst...I have a pic under my profle of my cyst, if you want to see it.
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Avatar universal
Hi!  

I also have a pineal cyst...Mine measures 12mm and shows signs of bleeding.  I have been experiencing headaches, vision problems, and confusion for about 4-5 months now.  I was referred to a Neurologist.  I have met with him once and he ordered an additional CT scan.  I meet with him again tomorrow to discuss the results...  From what I have read is that most doctors dont think a Pineal cyst is anything to be concerned with.  I am not sure what to think...I find it hard to beleive I could be having these symptoms and nothing be causing it.
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