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Tarlov Cyst

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Tarlov Cyst

(Perineural Cyst; Sacral Nerve Root Cyst)

Definition

Tarlov cysts are abnormal sacs of spinal fluid that often form around spinal root nerve fibers at the lower end (sacrum) of the spine.

Sacrum .

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Causes

The exact cause is not known. It may be due to problems with how a person's nerve sheath forms.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women. It may also be more common in people who have connective tissue disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Marfan syndrome.

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms. Some people may only have symptoms after an event that causes it to become painful, such as trauma or childbirth.

Problems may be:

  • Pain in the lower back, buttocks, feet, vagina, rectum, belly, or pain that runs down one or both legs
  • Weakness, cramping, or numbness in the buttocks, legs, and feet
  • Pain when sitting or standing
  • Loss of feeling on the skin
  • Poor reflexes
  • Bladder or bowel problems
  • Problems with sexual function
  • Headaches

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A doctor who treats problems with the nervous system may need to be seen.

Images may be taken of the spine. This can be done with:

Treatment

People who do not have symptoms may not need to be treated. The doctor will check the cyst for any changes.

The goal of treatment in people who do have symptoms is to ease pain. Options are:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem.

Medications

Medicine may be given to ease nerve pain and swelling. Some options are:

  • Pain relievers taken by mouth or put on the skin
  • Corticosteroid or other medicated injections

Other Procedures

People who are not helped by medicine may need procedures to treat the cyst. Options are:

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—electrical impulses delivered through the skin to ease nerve pain
  • 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 stop it from filling again

People with severe symptoms or those who are not helped by other methods may need surgery to remove the cyst.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Chronic low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-low-back-pain.
  • Tarlov cyst information. Tarlov Cyst Disease Foundation website. Available at: https://www.tarlovcystfoundation.org/info.
  • Tarlov cysts. NORD—National Organization for Rare Disorders website. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tarlov-cysts.

Contributors

  • Mary-Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.