Tarlov cyst

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history

Perineural cysts or Tarlov cysts (TCs) are nerve root dilations resulting from pathologically increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure.[citation needed]

Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

Tarlov cyst often cause widespread pain, and patients often report fatigue. Some patients with Tarlov cysts may have no symptoms.[1]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment is usually only provided if patients are symptomatic, and can involve either surgical or non-surgical approaches.[1][2]

ME/CFS[edit | edit source]

A study of 197 ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia patients found that the prevalence of Tarlov cysts was three times higher in ME/CFS patients than the general population, at 39%.[3]

The study's authors conclude:

This observation supports the hypothesis that STCs, FM, and CFS may share the same pathophysiological mechanism, i.e., moderately increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, causing irritation of neurons and axons in dorsal root ganglia

Notable articles[edit | edit source]

  • 2020, High Prevalence of Perineural Cysts in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Full text)

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

  • Tarlov cysts - American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  • Tarlov cysts - National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Tarlov Cysts". National Organization for Rare Disorders. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  2. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. "Tarlov Cysts: What Are They and How Can They be Treated?". AANS. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  3. Hulens, Mieke; Bruyninckx, Frans; Dankaerts, Wim; Rasschaert, Ricky; De Mulder, Peter; Stalmans, Ingeborg; Vansant, Greet; Bervoets, Chris (December 1, 2020). "High Prevalence of Perineural Cysts in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". Pain Medicine: pnaa410. doi:10.1093/pm/pnaa410. ISSN 1526-2375.