Would head trauma cause pineal gland cyst?

[mom128]

My 16 year old son went to the emergency room after he fell and hit his head skateboarding.  A cat scan was done and no injuries found.  The doctor did find that he had a small mass which he called a pineal gland cyst and referred me to his primary physician to follow up with a MRI.  My question is because my son previous to this incident had fallen on the back of his head, could it be a possible reason he developed this cyst?      

[lucky747]

I HAVE NEVER HAD A BAD HAEDACHE BEFORE MY ACCIDENT, NOW I HAVE WHAY DR CALL MIGRANE HEADACHES , BUT NOW THEY TELL ME I HAVE A PINEAL CYST ALSO , COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT TRAUMA TO MY HEAD CAUSED THE CYST , MY ACCIDENT WAS OVER A YEAR AGO AND MY HEADACHES GET WORSE ANE I ALSO HAVE MILD SEIZURES  , WILL U PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME IN TERMS THAT I UNDERSTAND , THANK YOU SO MUCH

[Fiatveritas]

Omg!! You too!! I had and auto accident in 2016 in July. CT scan at time showed trauma to brain but no cyst. Then I started to have horrible memory problems, sudden loss of vision and hearing, weakness in legs and arms, severe headaches and worst of all extreme pressure in my brain! I could not walk, swim, or do exercise because u felt like my brain was going to explode. I was referred for another MRI almost one year later and they found a pineal gland cyst. The doctors said it was not important and I didn't think much of it either until I decided to read about it today and found that my symptoms are all listed! I am so upset! I decided to research today because I saw doctor last WK and he was lost as to why my symptoms are getting worse and he referred me back to neurologist. My hormones are all off and I have gained more than 20 lbs. I have never had these symptoms before and had one head injury the year before in 2015. I had sustained a brain bleed at that time. I am so upset that some of these doctors take our lives for granted and DNT listen very well to patients. I am very healthy person and had no history of these symptoms or cysts as I have had previous MRI and CT scans of my brain before. It is not true that the cysts under 5mm are harmless. New studies show they can cause any amount if symptoms and even sudden death! The person who responded at the top if this thread is wrong! Do follow up with your neurologist. The pineal gland is significant as it is referred to as THE SEAT OF THE SOUL! I remember learning that in my PHD neuropsychology rotation. I never knew cysts can occur on this gland as it is so tiny to begin with! Take care of yourself because most of the quacks out there are about money and not lives!

[ycompanys]

What Dr Rajgopal says is not entirely true.  Since the cause of pineal cysts is not known, one cannot entirely rule out trauma.  In the medical literature on pineal cysts, there is a theory that trauma to the head can in fact cause hemorrhage that can lead to the growth (not the emergence) of a pineal cyst.  The MRI, however, should show signs of hemorrhage.  If this is not present, it is not conclusive either, for in some cases the medical literature reports that evidence of hemorrhage can disappear.  Despite this theory, I would find it surprising that a cyst would grow so quickly as a result of head trauma.  In any case, the most important question to ask is not where it comes from but rather whether your son is having symptoms.  In most cases, pineal cysts are asymptomatic, in which case it is nothing to worry about but rather something to track over time, particularly because according to the medical literature the incidence of symptomatic pineal cysts is higher among younger people (most people develop cysts in childhood though asymptomatic and don't even know they have them), and if the cyst grows, it tends to do so between the ages of 18-35.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The exact cause of the formation of the cysts of Pineal gland is not known . It is not related to trauma . Trauma causes hematoma , nerve damage but not formation of cyst . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[Fiatveritas]

Rajgopal you are very wrong. I suggest you read the new studies and keep updated as required by your social, ethical and professional responsibilities. You have no idea how much pain and harm you can cause a patient by your ignorance and misdiagnosis. If you are not sure, refer your patients to another physician. Refrain from making arbitrary and spurious conclusions without the benefit of new research.