Tarlov Cyst Patients???

[SpineMama]

Mark,

THANK YOU! What a great opportunity. I am dealing with some small tarlov cysts and all the spine surgeons I talk to tell me that they cannot be causing my radicular symptoms.

1) What is the best way to evaluate tarlov cysts eg CAT with myelo and is this the way to determine communicating vs noncommunicating and how do you determine which ones you treat?

2) Are caudal blocks effective with alleviating pain due to tarlov cyst?

3) Do tarlov cyst cause muscle spasms?

4) Do you find that if tarlov cyst are on one side, it can affect the lower extremities bilaterally and why?

5) Is it worth treating tarlov cyst so small if secondary to trauma? My Neurosurgeon believes there is a supicion that S1 S2 ruptured creating S2 radiculopathy.

More specifically to my case: Tarlov cysts vs spinal stenosis or both. Piriformis is also a consideration or all of the above.

MRN shows small tarlov cysts of S1 and S2. EMG shows S2 radiculopathy and nerve issues of the hamstrings. Muscle discomfort/spasm occur in all muscles related to L5, S1,S2.

Thanks for your offer. I can't wait to hear what the doctor has to say.

SM

PS, I also posted this on Braintalk