INFORMATION ON TARLOV 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/or foot. Pressure on the nerves next to the cysts can also cause pain. Many people have Perineural cysts but no symptoms at all; in fact, the majority of people with these cysts are completely unaware of their existence. However, when conditions cause these Perineural cysts to fill with cerebrospinal fluid and expand in size, they can begin to compress important neighboring nerve fibers, resulting in a variety of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and abnormal sensation. 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.

SYNONYMS OF TARLOV CYSTS

1. Sacral Tarlov cysts
2. Perineural cysts
3. Leptomeningitis
4. Spinal cord compression
5. Epidural Arachnoid cysts
6. Cockayne syndromes
7. Intracranial hypertension.

CAUSES OF TARLOV CYSTS

1. Research suggests that herpes simplex virus can cause the body chemistry to become more alkaline, which predisposes the cerebrospinal fluid to fill the Perineural cysts, thus prompting the advent of symptoms.
2. Tarlov cyst included years spent in heavy physical jobs as well as being involved in previous motor vehicle accident, previous back injuries or previous slip and fall accidents.
3. Symptoms may also be caused by hydrostatic forces of the cerebrospinal fluid inside the cyst exerting pressure on nerves in the cyst or cyst wall.
4. The pulsations of spinal fluid also cause the cyst to expand, potentially stretching nerve elements and causing or increasing symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF TARLOV CYSTS

Symptoms may include:-

1. Pain in the low back, buttocks and hips. The thighs, legs and feet may or may not be involved.
2. Tarlov cysts can also cause pain and dysfunction in the organs of elimination and reproduction, hypoesthesia, Paresthesias, and pain in the thigh from lack of blood supply.
3. The postures of sitting, standing, walking, and bending are typically painful, and reclining flat on the side is usually the only posture that offers relief.
4. 4 Urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and some loss of feeling or control of movement in the leg and/or foot

DIAGNOSIS OF TARLOV CYSTS

Tarlov cysts are most commonly diagnosed by lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging and can often be demonstrated by CT scan to communicate with the spinal subarachnoid space.

Tarlov cysts can be seen on an MRI scan and CT scan may demonstrate the cerebrospinal fluid flow between the spinal subarachnoid area and the cyst.

TREATMENT OF TARLOV CYSTS

1. Corticosteroid injections may also temporarily relieve pain. Other drugs may be prescribed to treat chronic pain and depression.
2. Making the body less alkaline, through diet or supplements, may lesson symptoms.
3. Surgery to remove the cysts is very difficult - one doctor described it as trying to sew wet tissue paper. There is a new operation using a ‘glue’ to stick the tissue together so that the cyst doesn't fill up again.