Do you sometimes get a strange ache in your lower back? Or do you feel a strange pain or numbness that feels like an electric shock running down your legs? Maybe the cause of these things is something you've never heard of. Today we're going to talk about one of those strange, but worth knowing, conditions. That's Tarlov Cyst .
What is a Tarlov Cyst?
Simply put, a Tarlov cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms around the nerve roots that branch out from your spinal cord . The cyst is usually filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) . CSF is a clear, watery fluid that surrounds your brain and the spinal cord.
These cysts most often form at the bottom of your spine, in the area called the sacrum (the bone just above your buttocks). They can sometimes develop after a spinal injury. It is possible to have more than one Tarlov cyst at a time.
These tumors can come in different sizes. Most of the time, they are asymptomatic . They are often discovered incidentally during an MRI scan for another spinal problem. However, if the tumor is large, it may cause symptoms. For example, back pain, difficulty urinating or defecating, or numbness.
Your doctor may also call these ``Meningeal cysts'' or ``Perineural cysts''. These are also other names for this.
How common are these?
In fact, it's hard to say exactly how many people have Tarlov cysts. Because, as mentioned earlier, not all of them cause symptoms. One study suggests that as few as 4% of people in the United States may have these cysts. That means they're not as common as you might think, but they're not impossible for anyone to develop.
What are the symptoms of this?
The symptoms of a Tarlov cyst vary depending on the size of the cyst and where it is located in the spine . Studies have shown that only 5% to 8% of people with these cysts develop symptoms . Larger cysts are more likely to cause symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Lower back pain: This is the main symptom.
- A pain that feels like an electric shock or a burning sensation that travels from the back down the legs: This is also something that many people experience.
- Numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the legs: Sometimes it can feel like your legs are going numb.
- Difficulty controlling bowel and bladder control or constipation: This is a slightly more serious symptom.
- Headache: Some people may also get headaches due to these tumors.
- Sexual dysfunction: This is also rare.
Imagine, there is a person named Nilanthi. She has been having pain in her lower back for some time. Sometimes she feels a pain like an electric shock running down her right leg. The pain is most felt when she sits or stands up. It was only after she showed it to a doctor that she was diagnosed with a Tarlov Cyst through an MRI scan.
Why does this Tarlov Cyst form?
Experts still can't say exactly why Tarlov cysts form. But research suggests a few things:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak: This usually occurs after a traumatic spinal injury.
- Inflammation of the protective sheath around a nerve root: similar to swelling after an injury.
When the pressure of this `(CSF)` fluid changes, the size of a Tarlov Cyst can also change. It is normal for the `(CSF)` pressure to fluctuate. When the `(CSF)` pressure increases, the size of the cyst can also increase. You may feel this pressure change when you lift weights or do strenuous exercise. That is when symptoms may worsen or new ones may appear.
Who is at higher risk of developing these?
Anyone can develop a Tarlov cyst. However, you may be at a slightly higher risk if you:
- If there has been an accident to the spine.
- If you have a connective tissue condition: For example, conditions like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- If you are a woman: Women are more likely to develop these than men.
- If you are between 30 and 60 years old.
What problems can Tarlov Cysts cause?
Complications from Tarlov Cysts are rare. However, in rare cases, the following may occur:
- Chronic pain: Pain that continues.
- Bone deterioration: Bone damage may occur at the site of the tumor.
- Permanent nerve damage: This is very rare.
- Movement difficulties.
- Cyst rupture and hemorrhage.
If you develop complications like these, especially those that affect movement, you may need to make some changes to your daily routine. Many people also experience long-term symptoms that can lead to mental health problems like depression .
How do you find this? (Diagnosis)
A doctor will diagnose a Tarlov cyst after a physical exam and a neurological exam . He or she will take your complete medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms. For example, how long have you had these symptoms and whether they get worse with certain activities.
The diagnosis is confirmed by an imaging test . This is usually an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT scan (computerized tomography scan) . These tests allow the doctor to clearly see the tumor and the nerves it affects.
Sometimes, a Tarlov cyst can be found accidentally when an MRI is done for something else, like back pain.
What are the treatments for Tarlov Cysts?
The best thing is that a Tarlov cyst that is asymptomatic does not require treatment . However, your doctor will tell you to come in for regular checkups. This is to see if the size of the cyst changes and if new symptoms appear as you get older.
Treatment of symptomatic tumors
If you have a tumor that is causing symptoms, your doctor will try to control those symptoms . Treatment options can vary from person to person. Here are some of the treatments:
- Painkillers: For example, paracetamol, gabapentin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , or sometimes opiates for severe pain.
- Steroid injections: These injections can be given directly into the lower back to reduce pain and swelling.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This is used for nerve pain. It is a method of reducing pain by using a small electric current.
- Aspiration and filling the cyst with another material: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cyst is removed with an injection and the space is filled with another material that does not put pressure on the nerves (e.g., fibrin glue, fat, or muscle tissue ).
- Surgical removal of the tumor: If other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be used as a last resort to remove the tumor.
Your doctor will consider the pros and cons of each treatment option and choose the safest and most appropriate treatment for your condition. However, it is important to remember that none of these treatments can completely stop the tumor from recurring .
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Of course, all treatments can have side effects. Talk to your doctor about the specific side effects of the medications you are taking. Some pain medications can cause drowsiness, nausea, and physical dependence .
If a doctor removes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a cyst, it can fill back up. In some cases, the fluid can fill back up within an hour of being removed. That's why many doctors try to drain the cyst and fill it with a different substance that won't allow the CSF to build up again and won't put pressure on the nerves.
Side effects of surgery also vary depending on the type of surgery performed. They can include:
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Recurrence of symptoms
How soon will I feel better after treatment?
Depending on the treatment your doctor recommends, you may feel relief from your symptoms right away , or you may feel relief within a few days after taking a medication or undergoing a treatment. Sometimes, it can take weeks to see a difference. For others, even if the pressure on the tumor is reduced or the tumor is completely removed, you may not feel any relief. Therefore, your doctor will check you regularly during treatment. This is to make sure you are not having any side effects and to monitor the size and location of the tumor.
What happens if you have a Tarlov Cyst? (About the future)
As mentioned earlier, Tarlov cysts don't always cause symptoms, so you may not even know you have one.
If you have a symptomatic tumor, there are treatments to help reduce pain and discomfort. Non-surgical treatments are usually the first choice. That means things like giving medications to help reduce symptoms.
The most important thing is not to be afraid, to understand your condition properly, to talk to your doctor, and to seek the most appropriate treatment.
If your symptoms do not improve with treatment, surgical removal of the tumor is an option. More than 80% of people who have the tumor removed surgically report relief from symptoms one year after surgery . The risk of the tumor coming back after surgery is usually low, but it can happen.
Can these be prevented from occurring?
Since the exact cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown, there is no known way to prevent them from forming. However, taking steps to protect yourself from physical hazards can help reduce your risk.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have symptoms of a Tarlov cyst, see a doctor, especially if you have any of the following:
- Pain in the lower back for which no cause can be found.
- Inability to control urine or stool or constipation.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs.
If you are already being treated for a Tarlov Cyst, and you have signs of infection (e.g., swelling of the wound, skin discoloration), or severe or increasing pain , notify your doctor immediately.
What questions should you ask the doctor?
When you go to see the doctor, it's a good idea to ask these questions:
- Where is the tumor on my body?
- What kind of treatment do you recommend?
- Are there any side effects of the treatment?
- Do I need surgery?
- Can a tumor grow back after being removed?
Many people with a Tarlov cyst do not have symptoms and do not need treatment. However, for others, living with these symptoms can be a challenge. Because these cysts are located in sensitive areas that control movement in your body, especially your lower body. You may have difficulty sitting in one place for long periods of time. You may have difficulty going to the bathroom, or you may need to go more often than usual.
An important message for you (Take-Home Message)
Tarlov Cyst is a condition that is not commonly heard of, but it is important to be aware of it. If you have any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor for advice . It may not be a Tarlov Cyst, but finding the cause is the most important thing.
Even if the tumor is asymptomatic, symptoms may develop over time. Therefore, inform your doctor about any changes you notice in your body. With proper medical advice and treatment, this condition can be managed well. You are not alone, and there are doctors who can help you on this journey.
` Tarlov Cyst, Tarlov Cyst, Back Pain, Neurocysticercosis, Spinal Cord, CSF, MRI
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න