Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Tarlov Cysts is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Perineural Cysts
• Sacral Nerve Root Cysts

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs that affect the nerve roots of the spine, especially near the base of the spine (sacral region). Individuals may be affected by multiple cysts of varying size. In most cases, Tarlov cysts do not cause symptoms (asymptomatic). However, symptoms can occur depending upon the size and specific location of the cyst. Symptoms sometimes caused by Tarlov cysts include pain, an inability to control bladder and bowel movements (incontinence), and weakness in the legs. Small, asymptomatic cysts can slowly increase in size eventually causing symptoms. The exact cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown. Tarlov cysts were first described in the medical literature in 1938.

Resources

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

P.O. Box 5801

Bethesda, MD 20824

Tel: (301)496-5751

Fax: (301)402-2186

Tel: (800)352-9424

TDD: (301)468-5981

Email: me20t@nih.gov

Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/



Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126

Tel: (301)251-4925

Fax: (301)251-4911

Tel: (888)205-2311

TDD: (888)205-3223

Email: ordr@od.nih.gov

Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx



American Association of Neurological Surgeons

5550 Meadowbrook Drive

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3852

Tel: (847)378-0500

Fax: (847)378-0600

Tel: (888)566-2267

Email: info@aans.org

Internet: http://www.NeurosurgeryToday.org and http://www.aans.org



Tarlov Cyst Disease Foundation

326 Norton Rd.

Knoxville, TN 37920

Tel: (865)577-4945

Fax: (865)577-4835

Email: contactus@tarlovcystfoundation.org

Internet: http://www.tarlovcystfoundation.org

For a Complete Report

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html