Why am I having headaches with dizziness and tinnitus?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am suffering with headaches, a feeling of pressure in my head, occasional dizziness and tinnitus. I am on the waiting list to see a neurologist, but in the meantime I paid for 2 non-contrast MRI scans 6 months apart, both of which came back normal, apart from the second one picked up a small pineal cyst 6 mm x 3 mm. I would like to know whether these scans are sufficient to rule out a brain tumour, or whether this is still a possible diagnosis given that the scans did not include contrast.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I passed carefully through your question and would explain that two MRI are more than enough to exclude any possible brain tumor (attchment removed to protect patient identity). The pineal cyst may be an incidental finding, as it does not seem to be related to the symptoms that you describe. It is strange that it results in the second MRI and not in the first one. Maybe the radiologist did not see it in the first one. I recommend comparing with your radiologist these two MRI in order to compare the presence of this cyst (if it is a new finding, or just was not described in the first MRI).

In my opinion, the type of headache that you refer, coupled with dizziness and tinnitus are typical of tension type headache, which is benign type of headache, caused by a wrong posture and psychological stress. So, there is no reason to panic. I recommend you to perform regular physical exercise, trying to avoid staying before your smart phone for a prolonged time and trying to correct your posture. Avoiding caffeine intake will help too.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome. I am glad to have been helpful to you. And please do not hesitate to ask me again in case of further questions whenever you need.