Surgical Treatment For Tarlov Cyst Disease
There are several surgical methods used to treat symptomatic Tarlov cyst disease. These procedures vary in their success rates and side effects, and there is much debate over which is best. The best method for a given patient’s condition is ultimately determined by the physician. If the cysts are symptomatic, surgical removal may be the best option.
Are Tarlov cysts serious?
Small, asymptomatic Tarlov cysts occur in approximately 5 to 9 percent of the general population. Larger cysts, however, can cause significant discomfort and pain. Tarlov cysts typically occur between the ages of 30 and 60, and they are most common in women. Only 5% to 9% of the general population is affected, so it’s important to get checked out by your doctor.
A CT scan can help diagnose a Tarlov cyst. This technique uses multiple X-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the cyst and surrounding organ tissue. In rare cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. In such cases, a patient will undergo a surgical procedure to shrink or remove the cyst.
What causes Tarlov cyst disease?
The exact cause of the Tarlov cyst disease is still largely unknown. However, some experts think that some people are born with a higher risk of developing this condition. Others believe that the development of these cysts is triggered by traumatic injuries, such as a fall or accident. In either case, the condition is often accompanied by pain in the spinal cord.
In some cases, surgical removal of the cyst is necessary. This may be necessary when the cyst is large and has encased a nerve. However, if it’s too large, it may not be able to be removed. In these cases, doctors will slice the cyst open and drain the fluid. After that, they will suture the cyst wall closed. This will help to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves.
What are the symptoms of a Tarlov cyst?
A Tarlov cyst is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms closely resemble those of other disorders. Because of this, many primary care physicians would not suspect the condition. The first step in the diagnosis of a Tarlov cyst is to obtain an MRI or computed tomography (CT) scan of the lumbar spine. These procedures utilize x-rays and a computer to produce images of the spinal column and surrounding tissue.
Although a Tarlov cyst can be quite small, it can still cause pain and discomfort. Some patients experience no symptoms at all, while others report significant discomfort. The disease is more common in women than in men and generally affects women between the ages of 30 and 60. It occurs in about five to nine percent of the population.
Can Tarlov cysts be cured?
The diagnosis of Tarlov cysts can be made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The majority of people with Tarlov cysts don’t exhibit any symptoms, but some do. Symptoms may arise after exertion or trauma. Patients with cysts are more likely to be women than men.
A Tarlov cyst is difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms can mimic those of other disorders. Because of this, it is often not suspected by primary care physicians. However, an MRI of the spine is the best way to determine if a cyst is present. In an MRI, the cyst will appear as a white, ballooned sheath surrounding the exiting sacral nerve roots.
While the exact cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown, it is thought that increased pressure in the spinal canal leads to the formation of the cysts. This can happen from traumatic injuries, heavy lifting, and childbirth. Another possibility is that the cyst is caused by a blockage of the CSF that is flowing through the spine.
What can be mistaken for a Tarlov cyst?
While most Tarlov cysts are painless, they can grow to be quite large and can damage nearby nerve roots and those inside the cyst. Symptoms will vary depending on where on the spinal column the cyst is located. Some people may experience no symptoms while others may experience intense pain or numbness.
Tarlov cysts are a relatively rare condition affecting only a very small percentage of the population. Named after the neurologist Isadore Tarlov, they cause abnormal sacs to develop along the nerve roots of the spine. Most of these cysts occur in the sacrum area, but can also occur in the lumbar or thoracic spine.
Although the cause of Tarlov cysts is not completely understood, they may result from an inflammatory process within the nerve root sheath. Trauma to the spinal cord can also cause the fluid to leak and form a cyst. Patients with certain connective tissue disorders are at higher risk for developing the condition. Patients who suffer from spinal cord pain may also develop these cysts.
