Tarlov Cysts - chronic pelvic pain

[Violet M]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21500136

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2011 Apr;15(2):163-7. Epub 2011 Apr 15.
Tarlov cysts: an overlooked clinical problem.
Murphy KJ, Nussbaum DA, Schnupp S, Long D.
Source
Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
Symptomatic Tarlov cysts typically cause chronic pelvic and lower extremity pain and sacral nerve root radiculopathy. Historically, open surgical treatment involved significant patient morbidity, particularly postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and infection. These CSF leaks often required multiple surgical procedures to seal. Over the past 20 years, there have been two or three isolated case reports of computed tomography (CT)-guided needle aspirations that offered limited evidence of treatment efficacy and safety. Some have reported high rates of postprocedure aseptic meningitis that were not well explained. These poor results dissuaded physicians from caring for these patients. As a group these patients are usually treated dismissively and told their cysts are asymptomatic and their pain must be coming from somewhere else. Many of them have had an unnecessary discectomy or a spinal fusion, and when these procedures did not relieve their pain they were told they are a "failed back patient." We have treated more than a hundred patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts by CT fluoroscopic-guided needle aspiration and fibrin injection and have had excellent results with no meaningful complications and never a case of aseptic meningitis. We believe this is a safe, highly effective first-line treatment for symptomatic Tarlov cysts.

© Thieme Medical Publishers.

PMID: 21500136 [PubMed - in process]

[yoland]

Aghh,

the problem is i know of one patient that got 8 years relief all the rest I know had to go on to surgery and the surgery is made harder by the presence of the fibrin glue. unfortunately this is the only option for many of the canadian Tc patients. such a shame



NVA Spring 2011 published a great article on Tarlov Cysts and vulvar pain.

any possible tarlov patients can find support or help through

tarlov cyst disease foundation

or yahoo health forums http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ta ... tsurvival/ great files section
yoland

[Violet M]

Thanks Yoland -- it helps when you can hear experiences first hand from other patients.

[delanexy]

How long does it take for symptoms to appear after exposure to meningitis? My grandfather was just diagnosed with meningitis and my mom has been going to visit with him about once a week and she has been around me and my family and I was just wondering if anyone knew how long it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure to meningitis so I will know if we are all okay.

[Violet M]

He may not develop tarlov cysts from meningitis. It's not listed as one of the causes of tarlov cysts although the cause may be unknown.

Tarlov Cyst Disease Foundation
http://login.npwebsiteservices.com/Tarl ... //FAQs.asp
http://tinyurl.com/73wxhq3

ANSWERS TO FAQs:

1. What causes Tarlov cysts?

The cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown, but there are several theories including a tendency to develop a weakness in the meninges (covering of the brain and spinal cord ) or a weakness that is present at birth. Some who have Tarlov cysts have connective tissue disorders as well, and there is a question regarding the incidence of both in some patients. There seems to be a significant incidence of history of trauma related to the onset of the most severe symptoms associated with Tarlov cysts in the majority of patients. It is possible that the Tarlov cysts have been present, but asymptomatic for a number of years, and then are triggered by a traumatic incident causing further pressure or injury to the spine and causing the cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSF) to increase, the cysts to develop, fill with spinal fluid, enlarge, press on spinal nerves and become symptomatic. Some of these incidents that Tarlov cyst patients have shared are automobile accidents (especially rear end collisions), childbirth, heavy lifting, falls, etc. Several patients who have Tarlov cysts have indicated that their symptoms began after receiving an epidural for anesthesia for a surgical procedure or childbirth. Some patients indicate worsened symptoms when there is presence of a herpes simplex outbreak, so the question exists as to possible viral or bacterial causes, but there have been no reports or studies to indicate that as a proven factor. Since it is known that approximately 90% of the general population has antibodies for the herpes virus, it is a doubtful link as a cause, but it is interesting that some patients report that their symptoms worsen during an outbreak of the virus.