Tarlov Cyst

[mimey]

I was injured in 2001, I was directly hit on the lower back by some equiptment at work.  I have been seen by a back doctor since then, I asked to see a copy of my MRI that was take a few weeks ago and found out I have Sacral spinal canal Tarlov's or perineural cyst.  This looks as if it was seen in the MRI form 2004.  My lower back is in constant pain, and my right 3 toes are always numb.  I get pains down the right leg also.  Is this Cyst anything to worry about, My Back doctor never said a thing about it.  I read it in the MRI Report.

Thanks

[robinrn1963]

I have also been diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst and I have pain down my left leg and into my foot and all across the lower back and entire buttocks etc.  I was referred to a pain clinic doctor who told me that I had this cyst....it showed up on the MRI films however the radiologist did not mention it in my MRI report...my pain doctor says this is common thing to happen because a lot of radiologist and mds do not believe the cyst can be the cause of the back pain etc however it very well can be and is according to my pain specialist the root of my problem.  He has spoke of draining the cyst but only as a almost last resort due to the more than likely it would just fill back up again and not help relieve the pain much.  He mentioned a special neurosurgeon at John Hopkins Hospital who deals with these kind of cysts.  I am scheduled for the back injections and will update you on that.  I am currently on Neurotin and lortab 10 for pain control...just started these yesterday.  my email address is ***@**** if anyone would like to talk about our situations.  Good luck to all

[robinrn1963]

I have also been diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst and I have pain down my left leg and into my foot and all across the lower back and entire buttocks etc.  I was referred to a pain clinic doctor who told me that I had this cyst....it showed up on the MRI films however the radiologist did not mention it in my MRI report...my pain doctor says this is common thing to happen because a lot of radiologist and mds do not believe the cyst can be the cause of the back pain etc however it very well can be and is according to my pain specialist the root of my problem.  He has spoke of draining the cyst but only as a almost last resort due to the more than likely it would just fill back up again and not help relieve the pain much.  He mentioned a special neurosurgeon at John Hopkins Hospital who deals with these kind of cysts.  I am scheduled for the back injections and will update you on that.  I am currently on Neurotin and lortab 10 for pain control...just started these yesterday.  my email address is ***@**** if anyone would like to talk about our situations.  Good luck to all

[raynemyst]

I too have a tarlov cyst. A great site to learn more, ask more is at  TarlovTalk : The TarlovTalk Forum
Good luck

[efeistie1]

I've had an MRI done for S.I. joint pain/problems and the MRI showed two Tarlov cysts; one on either side of my lower spine.  Two neurologists have reviewed the films and said that these cysts do not cause pain or problems.  They are supposed to be more prevalent in women.  I have the same pain you describe on my right back side but not sure if it is due to the S.I. joint problems or the cyst.  I've read alot about these cysts and some articles say they cause problems and some say they do not.  Not sure what to believe at this point.  The articles say it's no use to drain them because they just fill up with fluid again.