Tarlov cysts

[jvineyard]

I have large Tarlov cysts shown on an MRI in my s2 and s3. My Dr. did not call after the MRI and it took me 4 calls to get my report after 3 MRI's so I need help. At a visit to the Dr. I was diagnosed with Meuralgia Paresthetica, which I was told was a trapped nerve causing the numbness in the thigh of my right leg. Are the Tarlov cysts the cause of this problem???

[Lama Chahine, MD]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is, and without reviewing your imaging, I can not tell you what the implications of the findings are. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

With meralgia parasthetica, the symptoms of this condition inculde tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer part of thethigh. The cause of is compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the lateral part (outer part) of the thigh. This condition has many causes including being overweight, certain surgeries and the positioning that occurred during surgery, pregnancy, very tight clothes, diabetes, trauma. Also, in patients who are bed-ridden for prolonged periods of time in a particular position, this condition may occur. Anything that can cause pressure on the nerve as it leaves the pelvic area to go to the leg. This is a diagnosis usually made clinically (based on history and examination). Treatment is available to help relieve the symptoms, but this condition often improves on its own.

It sounds like you have a Tarlov cyst on MRI. Tarlov cysts are fluid filled collections that are often located in the sacral area (lowest part of the spinal column). The exact cause of why these cysts develop is not know. Small cysts are very common and may be present in over 5% of otherwise healthy people; they usually do not cause symptoms. Larger cysts may cause symptoms if they press on surrounding nerves. However, if your numbness is in your thigh area, and if the cyst is in the S2-S3 area, the cyst would be unlikely to be causing your symptoms, because the S2-S3 nerves are not the ones that innervate the thigh. More often than not, Tarlov cysts do not cause symptoms, particularly when they are small and in the typical location. They are usually benign.

However again I can not judge as to whether or not you have meralgia parasthetica or if your tarlov cyst is large enough or in a location to cause symptoms; follow up with your physicians is recommended.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.