(Perineural Cyst; Sacral Nerve Root Cyst)
Definition
Definition
Tarlov cysts are abnormal sacs of spinal fluid that usually form at the lower end of the spine, which is called the sacrum. Tarlov cysts contain spinal nerve fibers within the cyst wall.
SacrumCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
The cause of a Tarlov cyst is unknown but may be related to:
- Trauma to the spine
- Increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure
- Blockage of cerebrospinal fluid
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Although gender may not be a risk factor, Tarlov cysts have more often been found in women than men.
Tarlov cysts may be linked to connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Marfan syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Most of the time, Tarlov cysts do not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Nerve pain
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs and feet, vagina, rectum, or abdomen
- Pain when coughing or sneezing
- Weakness, cramping, or numbness in the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Swelling, soreness, or tenderness around the lower end of the spine
- Abnormal sensations in the legs and feet, or less commonly in the arms and hands
- Pain when sitting or standing
- Headaches
- Pulling and burning feeling in the tailbone
- Loss of sensation on the skin
- Loss of reflexes
If you have a Tarlov cyst, the following may cause it to become painful or cause other symptoms:
- Traumatic injury such as a fall, automobile accident
- Heavy lifting
- Childbirth
- Epidural anesthesia
- Growth of the cyst
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to see a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon.
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms, talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options may include:
Medications
To relieve inflammation and/or pain:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Topical pain relievers that are applied to the skin
- Corticosteroid or other medicated injections
Other Treatments
Other treatments may include:
- Aspiration of the cyst plus fibrin glue injection—a needle is used to drain the cyst and then a special glue is injected into the cyst to try to prevent it from filling again
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—electrical impulses delivered through the skin
- Surgery may be done for severe or worsening symptoms, bowel or bladder dysfunction, or if there is damage to the affected area
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent a Tarlov cyst.
RESOURCES:
Tarlov Cyst Disease Foundation http://www.tarlovcystfoundation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tarlov_cysts/tarlov_cysts.htm
Updated June 14, 2012. Accessed November 25, 2013.
Therapeutic percutaneous image-guided aspiration of spinal cysts. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence website. Available at:
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG223
Updated 2007. Accessed November 25, 2013.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014