Tarlov CystsThe fact I have these came as a complete shock. They were found the first time my pelvis was scanned. The idea that the scan may find other problems never occurred to me. All information is from the Tarlov Cyst Association, although I will have subbed it.
"Tarlov Cysts are spinal nerve root lesions filled with cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), found most often at the lower (lumbar and sacral) levels asymptomatic or cause a potentially serious neurological disease. Studies suggest that about 1% of sciatic or sciatic-like symptoms may be caused by TC. Other names for Tarlov and related spinal cysts are perineural or perineurial cyst, meningeal cyst, and arachnoid cyst. TCs are frequently been dismissed by radiologists as "incidental" even though patients have symptoms that could be caused by a Tarlov cyst. In such cases, TC cannot be eliminated by radiology. TCs differ in structure. A cyst might incorporate nerve elements or be free of them. A cyst can be valved or non-valved. A valved cyst has a structure in its neck that makes it easier for CSF to enter the cyst than to leave. In a non-valved cyst, CSF flows freely between the cyst and the dural tube. Multiple TCs are not uncommon. Although a large cyst can cause symptoms by pressing on an adjacent structure, symptoms may also be caused by hydrostatic forces of the CSF inside the cyst exerting pressure on nerves in the cyst or cyst wall. The pulsations of CSF causes the cyst to expand, potentially stretching nerve elements and causing or increasing symptoms. Therefore, cysts even smaller than one centimeter can be highly symptomatic. SYMPTOMS Pain in the low back, buttocks and legs, but the thighs, legs and feet may or may not be involved. Symptoms can be opposite-sided. Also pain and disorders in the bladder, bowels and reproductive organs. Hypoesthesia. Paresthesias. Neurogenic claudication (pain in the thigh from lack of blood supply). Sitting, standing, walking and bending can be painful. Reclining flat on the side is usually the only position that offers relief." |
FOR MORE INFORMATION, HELP AND SUPPORT USE:
IF ANY CONTACTS ARE NO LONGER IN USE OR NEED UPDATING, OR IF YOU KNOW ANY MORE, GET IN TOUCH.