In this page I provide generic Tarlov Cysts Info including: ‘What are Tarlov Cysts?’, Symptoms, Causes, Possible Treatments and Potential Risks of Surgery.
What are Tarlov Cysts?
Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled nerve root cysts found most commonly near the base of the spine (sacral region). Small, asymptomatic Tarlov cysts are quite common (5-9% of the general population); but in a small percentage of cases, cysts increase in size causing symptoms to occur by compressing adjacent nerve roots.
Tarlov Cysts is a rare disease – they were first identified in 1938, yet there is still very limited scientific knowledge available (https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tarlov-cysts/).
The most commonly used methods for the diagnosis of Tarlov cysts are: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Computed tomography (CT) scan.
What are Tarlov Cysts symptoms?
Symptoms can occur depending upon the size and specific location of the cyst. Generally, the larger a Tarlov cyst is, the more likely it is to cause symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in lower back (particularly below the waist) and in buttocks, legs, and feet
- Pain in the chest, upper back, neck, arms and hands
- Paresthesia (abnormal sensations) in legs and feet or arms and hands, dependent on cyst locations
- Pain sitting or standing for even short periods of time
- Weakness and/or cramping in legs and feet / arms and hands
- Bowel or bladder changes, including incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction and painful intercourse
What are Tarlov Cysts causes?
The exact cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown. In many cases, individuals developed symptoms following trauma or activities that raise cerebrospinal fluid pressure such as heavy lifting, automobile accidents, falls, childbirth and epidurals. Higher incidence of symptomatic Tarlov cysts has been observed amongst women (vs. men); in particular, women that have gone through several pregnancies/births/epidurals.
More research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms that ultimately cause the development of Tarlov cysts or the onset of their symptoms.
What are Tarlov Cysts possible treatments?
There is no specific proven treatment for patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts. Treatment is patient-specific and directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual, ranging from simple drugs to complex surgery and other procedures.
NON-SURGICAL. therapies include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and Physical therapy (PT) such as heat, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electronic stimulation. Also, minimally invasive techniques are used such as lumbar drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), CT scanning-guided cyst aspiration and a newer technique involving removing the CSF from inside the cyst and then filling the space with a fibrin glue injection. Unfortunately, none of these procedures prevent symptomatic cyst recurrence. (Please note that in my blog I aim at describing the non-surgical treatments that worked for me – https://tarlovcystsinsights.com/tarlov-cysts-pain-toolkit/)
SURGICAL. Tarlov cyst surgery involves exposing the region of the spine where the cyst is located. The cyst is opened and the fluid drained, and then in order to prevent the fluid from returning, the cyst is occluded with a fibrin glue injection or other matter. Neurosurgical techniques for symptomatic Tarlov cysts include simple decompressive laminectomy, cyst and/or nerve root excision and microsurgical cyst fenestration and imbrication.
What are the risks of surgery?
When Tarlov Cysts are symptomatic, the potential surgery-related benefit and the specific surgical intervention are controversial. Various techniques have been used with different success rates and side effects. Surgical intervention depends upon numerous factors such as the progression of the disorder, the degree of nerve root compression, the size of the connection between the subarachnoid space and the cyst, an individual’s age/general health, amongst others. A thorough discussion of the potential benefits and risks, patient preference and other appropriate factors is needed.
Main potential complications from surgery include:
- Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak – which can result in headaches, neck or shoulder pain, changes in hearing and vision, nausea and dizziness.
- Bacterial meningitis (rare) – this is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems.
- Radiculopathy pain
The most common negative outcome is the failure of the surgery to eliminate the symptoms.
References: ALL the content in this post has been extracted from the following sources
One response to “Tarlov Cysts Info”
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