INFORMATION ON SACRAL NERVE ROOT CYSTS

Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs that most often affect nerve roots in the sacrum, the group of bones at the base of the spine. These cysts can compress nerve roots, causing lower back pain, sciatica urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and some loss of feeling or control of movement in the leg and foot. Pressure on the nerves next to the cysts can also cause pain. Tarlov cysts may become symptomatic following shock, trauma, or exertion that causes the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. Women are at much higher risk of developing these cysts than are men. Medical investigations including gynecological, urological and anorectal observations, fail to indicate a clear etiology in many of these cases and the perineal pain is often considered essential or of psychosomatic origin.

SYNONYMS OF SACRAL NERVE ROOT CYSTS

1. Glioependymal cyst
2. Meningeal cyst
3. Intracranial mass
4. Spinal arachnoid cysts
5. Agenesis of corpus callosum
6. Spinal dysraphism
7. Calvarial bulging
8. Temporal lobe agenesis

CAUSES OF SACRAL NERVE ROOT CYSTS

A cyst will typically remain asymptomatic until the onset of the disease stage is initiated by an event such as an auto accident, heavy lifting, fall, or another disease such as one of the many forms of Herpes.

SYMPTOMS OF SACRAL NERVE ROOT CYSTS

Tarlov cysts cause various objective neurophysiological abnormalities, including decreased sural nerve action potentials and sensory nerve conduction velocities.Tarlov cysts may become symptomatic following shock, trauma, or exertion that causes the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. Women are at much higher risk of developing these cysts than are men.

TREATMENT OF SACRAL NERVE ROOT CYSTS

Tarlov cysts may be drained to relieve pressure and pain, but relief is often only temporary and fluid build-up in the cysts will recur. Corticosteroid injections may also temporarily relieve pain. Other drugs may be prescribed to treat chronic pain and depression. Filling the cysts with fat has not been shown to work. Injecting the cysts with fibrin glue may provide temporary relief of pain. Some scientists believe the herpes simplex virus, which thrives in an alkaline environment, can cause Tarlov cysts to become symptomatic; making the body less alkaline, through diet or supplements, may lesson symptoms. Surgical resection may be needed when the cysts cause continued pain or progressive neurological damage