Which are the causes of Tarlov Cyst?

See some of the causes of Tarlov Cyst according to people who have experience in Tarlov Cyst

Tarlov cysts, also known as perineural cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the nerve roots of the spine. These cysts are typically found in the sacral region of the spine, which is the lower back area. While the exact cause of Tarlov cysts is not fully understood, several factors have been identified that may contribute to their development.

1. Congenital Factors: Some researchers believe that Tarlov cysts may be present at birth or develop during fetal development. It is thought that certain abnormalities in the development of the nerve root sheath or the arachnoid membrane, which are the protective coverings of the nerves, may predispose individuals to the formation of these cysts later in life.

2. Trauma: Trauma or injury to the spine is considered a potential cause of Tarlov cysts. It is believed that physical trauma, such as falls, accidents, or repetitive stress on the spine, can lead to the weakening of the nerve root sheath or the arachnoid membrane, allowing the cysts to form.

3. Increased Spinal Pressure: Elevated pressure within the spinal canal can contribute to the development of Tarlov cysts. Conditions that cause increased pressure, such as spinal tumors, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) blockage, may create an environment that promotes cyst formation.

4. Hormonal Factors: Some studies suggest that hormonal imbalances may play a role in the development of Tarlov cysts. Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, have been found to influence the growth and proliferation of cysts in other parts of the body. It is hypothesized that hormonal changes or imbalances may affect the nerve root sheath or arachnoid membrane, leading to cyst formation.

5. Genetic Factors: While the role of genetics in Tarlov cyst development is not well-established, there is some evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition. Certain genetic mutations or variations may increase the likelihood of developing these cysts. Further research is needed to fully understand the genetic factors involved.

6. Age and Gender: Tarlov cysts are more commonly found in middle-aged and older individuals, particularly women. The reasons for this gender and age predilection are not fully understood, but hormonal changes associated with menopause and the natural degenerative processes of the spine may contribute to cyst formation.

7. Other Factors: Other potential factors that may contribute to the development of Tarlov cysts include chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and abnormalities in the production or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.

It is important to note that while these factors have been identified as potential contributors to Tarlov cyst formation, the exact cause of these cysts remains uncertain. Further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with Tarlov cysts.

Diseasemaps

Regardless of the underlying proposed causes, the mechanism by which these cysts naturally develop is attributed to hydrostatic and pulsating forces of the cerebrospinal fluid along with a phenomenon of a valve valve mechanism, leading to continuous dilation of the cyst, as mentioned in the study “Growth of Lumbosacral Perineural (Tarlov) Cysts: A Natural History Analysis”. In this study, the natural course of the Tarlov cysts was followed and symptoms can worsen, as with e.g. spinal stenosis without discernible changes during imaging. Macroscopic cyst growth is easily detected with MRI, however, growth is not a prerequisite for progression or onset of symptoms.
In a number of original reports and reviews of Tarlov cysts, a mechanism is described with valve mechanism. This valve mechanism ensures that when cerebrospinal (brain) fluid comes under increased hydrostatic pressure, it enters the cyst but no longer leaves the cyst. This allows pressure to build up in the cyst.
However, the theory of the valve mechanism does not cover all cases, as several studies have shown and reported evidence that non-valve ventilated cysts and even very small dilations of nerveroots are capable of causing severe symptoms.

Posted Jul 23, 2021 by Stichting Overdruksyndroom NL

There is a lot of debate on this topic. The consensus so far seems to be: hereditary, impact/injury, connective tissue disorders, and pressures in ones cerebral spinal fluid and way of body coping with shifts in it.

Personally, I don't have it in my family,and I have no connective tissue disorders. I do tend to fall often even in childhood, but somehow nothing seems to stand out in particular.

Posted Feb 26, 2017 by Amie 1250

Some doctors think people are born with them, or they occur naturally in a rather large number of people without causing noticeable symptoms and they are found on imaging for other issues. Others develop them as a result of an injury or accident, but others develop them because of an underlying connective tissue disease.

Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450

Usually a fall or accident

Posted Oct 29, 2017 by Karen 2500

Pressure buildup in spinal column
Falls
Car accident
Trauma

Posted Jan 20, 2018 by dhedge42 2500

Tarlov cysts are unknown but commonly acure in woman, doctors think they come from trauma to the body

Posted Jun 18, 2018 by MissLeanneM 1700

The causes are unknown. Maybe trauma, stress to the spinal fluid, maybe born with them.

Posted Jun 18, 2018 by Ze 2520

I was told that trauma to the spine was a great contributing factor to the cause of these cysts.

Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Debbie Dronfield 2500

Injections in your spine such as epidurals. Significant trauma

Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Lynn 2500

unknown

Posted Jun 23, 2018 by Julie 1600

An accident or injury to your spinal cord. It can also be hereditary.

Posted Nov 30, 2018 by Connie 1740

Possible being born with them, or trauma. It is unknown at this time.

Posted Dec 9, 2019 by Ze 1500

No one knows the exact cause of why you cerebrospinal fluid leaks creating the cysts and inflammation on your nerve roots.

The exact cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown. Several theories exist including that the cysts result from an inflammatory process within the nerve root sheath or that trauma injures the nerve root sheath and causes leaking of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the area where a cyst forms. Some researchers believe that an abnormal congenital connection (communication) exists between the subarachnoid space, which contains cerebrospinal fluid, and the area surrounding the affected nerves (perineural region). The connection may remain or eventually close, after allowing cerebrospinal fluid to leak out and cause a cyst. Because Tarlov cysts contain cerebrospinal fluid, researchers have speculated that normal fluctuations in CSF pressure may lead to an increase in cyst size and a greater likelihood of developing symptoms.

Posted Dec 10, 2019 by Jess Carhart 2500

I feel mine came from an epidural

Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Michelle Tamplin 2500

Regardless of the underlying proposed causes, the mechanism by which these cysts develop naturally has been attributed to hydrostatic and pulsatile forces exerted by CSF along with a phenomenon of a valve-valve mechanism leading to continuous dilatation of the cyst. “Growth of Lumbosacral Perineural (Tarlov) Cysts: A Natural History Analysis”. In this study, the natural course of the Tarlov cysts was followed and symptoms may worsen as with eg spinal stenosis without detectable changes during imaging. Macroscopic cyst growth is easily detected with MRI, however the growth is not a prerequisite for progression or onset of symptoms. 5 In case of Tarlov cysts, SIZE doesn't matter.

Not only large cysts cause symptoms, also smaller valved TC's or small/large dilations without a vavled maganismen. This is confirmed by different authors, see the articles:

Symptomatic Tarlov cysts are often overlooked: ten reasons why—a narrative review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-019-05996-1

Electromyography and A Review of the Literature Provide Insights into the Role of Sacral Perineural Cysts in Unexplained Chronic Pelvic, Perineal and Leg Pain Syndromes'
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318094780_Electromyography_and_A_Review_of_the_Literature_Provide_Insights_into_the_Role_of_Sacral_Perineural_Cysts_in_Unexplained_Chronic_Pelvic_Perineal_and_Leg_Pain_Syndromes

Posted Jul 25, 2021 by SOSNL 2500

In het geval van een cyste van Tarlov ontstaat de ophoping van vocht tussen een zenuwwortel en zenuwschede aan de onderkant van het ruggenmerg.

Posted Jul 26, 2021 by Founder SOSNL 2500

Many doctors believe people are born with TC's. However, in the TC community we know that is not always the case. TC's can also be caused from accidents or trauma to the area. This can also cause asymptomatic TC's to become symptomatic. There are studies being done on whether or not genetics may play a part. My sister and I both have Tarlov Cyst Disease.

Posted Jul 27, 2021 by KetoGma 2500

Still some doubts in science, research is being made.
Most probably it comes about a distinction of the cfr liquid.
Also can be result of accidents, falls…

Posted Oct 25, 2022 by Tania 2500

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The doctors say that we are born with them. The causes are genetic .

Posted Mar 24, 2017 by Simona 1060

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The exact cause is still not known. There are several theories about its origin, such as the theory traumatic, theory congenital and theory hemorrhagic among others.

Posted Jul 26, 2017 by Maria 1220

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The doctors do not all agree. A congenital malformation is possible (in several cases in the same family ) or property as a result of a trauma (a fall or a charging port).

Posted Sep 30, 2017 by 1000