Everything to know about Tarlov cysts

With debilitating back pain, everyday life and activities become impossible. Tarlov cysts are dilations of the nerve root sheaths that create abnormal sacs filled with spinal fluid causing progressively painful radiculopathy (nerve pain). If left untreated, patients suffer incredible pain and dysfunction, because very few neurosurgeons can treat this disease, it is often undetected for far too long

Doctors, especially those located in Hospitals in Dallas or a Dallas Medical Center have extensive, world-renowned experience treating 1500+ Tarlov and meningeal cyst patients.  Specialized techniques and outcomes research starting in 2007, singles him out as one of a few neurosurgeons worldwide to show statistical improvements in his patients.  Partnering with others adds credibility and independent validation of these improvements.

What symptoms do Tarlov or Meningeal cyst patients have?

Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the cysts.

• Sacral or tail bone pain or pressurea
• Pain with sitting. May feel like you are sitting on a rock or an object
• Avoidance of sitting type activity
• Pain with standing
• Pain in the legs and feet especially in the back of the thighs
• Leg weakness or numbness
• Bowel or bladder or sexual disfunction
• Vaginal, rectal, pelvic and/or abdominal pain
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Pain or numbness in the buttocks or between the legs
• Headaches
• Symptoms made better by lying down

RELIEF IS HERE

A symptomatic Tarlov cyst is a rare disease, but recovery is possible. It is a dilation of the outer covering of the nerve, allowing spinal fluid to get trapped, forming a cyst. The fluid in the cyst puts pressure on adjacent nerves, causing debilitating symptoms. Tarlov cysts are most prevalent in the sacrum or base of the spine, but could occur in the neck or upper back. The cyst is embedded in the nerve and should not be cut.

Tarlov Cyst Screening Questions

SACRAL TARLOV CYSTS

• MRI reporting Sacral Tarlov Cyst(s)?
• Bladder problems (incontinence, frequency, urgency, residual)?
• Bowel problems (Constipation, lack of control)?
• Sexual problems (genital pain, persistent arousal, numbness)?
• Pain or swelling over the sacrum/low back area?
• Sensation that you are sitting on a “rock”?
• Trouble with sitting for extended periods of time?
• Pain or numbness in the buttock area?
• History of headaches?
• Onset of sacral pain after a significant occurrence (fall, motor vehicle accident, lifting heavy object)?
• History of connective tissue disorders (Marfan’s, lupus, multiple cysts, prolapses)?

THORACIC TARLOV CYSTS

• MRI reporting Thoracic Tarlov cyst(s)?
• Chest pain or mid-back pain (not related to a heart condition)?
• Numbness wrapping around the middle of the back?
• History of headaches?
• Onset of thoracic pain after a significant occurrence (fall, motor vehicle accident, lifting heavy object)?
• History of connective tissue disorders (Marfan’s Lupus, multiple cysts)?

CERVICAL TARLOV CYSTS

• MRI reporting Cervical Tarlov cyst(s)?
• Neck pain?
• Pain or numbness radiating down arm, and possibly into hands?
• History of headaches?
• Onset of cervical pain after a significant occurrence (fall, motor vehicle accident, lifting heavy object)?
• History or connective tissue disorders (Marfan’s Lupus, multiple cysts)?