What is the prevalence of Tarlov Cyst?

How many people does Tarlov Cyst affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?

The prevalence of Tarlov cysts is not well-established due to the lack of large-scale studies. However, it is estimated that these cysts are relatively rare, affecting a small percentage of the population. Tarlov cysts are typically found in the sacral region of the spine and are more commonly seen in women than men. While they can be asymptomatic, they may cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Tarlov cyst, also known as perineural cyst, is a rare condition characterized by the presence of fluid-filled sacs in the spinal canal. These cysts typically develop at the nerve root sheath, most commonly in the sacral region of the spine. While the exact cause of Tarlov cysts is not fully understood, they are believed to be congenital or acquired due to trauma or degenerative changes.

Due to the lack of awareness and often asymptomatic nature of Tarlov cysts, it is challenging to determine their exact prevalence. However, studies suggest that Tarlov cysts may be more common than previously thought, with estimates ranging from 4% to 9% of the general population. It is important to note that not all individuals with Tarlov cysts experience symptoms, and the cysts are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests for unrelated conditions.

When symptoms do occur, they can vary widely and may include chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Treatment options for Tarlov cysts aim to alleviate symptoms and may include conservative measures such as pain management, physical therapy, or surgical intervention in severe cases.

Diseasemaps

Posted Jul 23, 2021 by Stichting Overdruksyndroom NL

I believe it affects more women then men. Men do have them though.

Posted Oct 29, 2017 by Karen 2500

1 in 200000

Posted Jan 20, 2018 by dhedge42 2500

Since it is a rare disease I would not go off the statistics on the sites I have read. More women are treated than men. Without doing more studies with larger groups in the studies there is no way of really telling if the supposed precentages or true.

Posted Jun 18, 2018 by Ze 2520

Im not sure of the exact number of people that it affects. I do know through the help groups im in that its mainly women. Their are a few young people

Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Debbie Dronfield 2500

Incidence and Prevalence. Small, asymptomatic Tarlov cysts are actually present in an estimated 5 to 9 percent of the general population. However, large cysts that cause symptoms are relatively rare.

Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Lynn 2500

Tarlov Cyst Disease is classified as a rare disease but affects people in every country. About 100,000 people are affected worldwide with symptomatic TCD. 3-6% of those affected have them in their cervical spine.

Posted Dec 10, 2019 by Jess Carhart 2500

Women and its about 1-5% of population

Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Michelle Tamplin 2500

That is not specific known. Prevelence is higher than the symptomacitc cysts.
Resarch on this speak about 1% of the world population who are symptomatic. Recent study says that somthing about a bit more of 4% of the cysts found are symptomatic.

Posted Jul 25, 2021 by SOSNL 2500

Het is niet precies bekend hoe vaak Tarlov cysten voorkomen. Op grond van gegevens uit de medische literatuur worden deze cysten vermoedelijk jaarlijks bij zo’n 2.000-2.500 mensen vastgesteld.

Posted Jul 26, 2021 by Founder SOSNL 2500

The incidence of Tarlov cysts is 5-9% and most of them are asymptomatic, usually detected as incidental findings on MRI. Symptomatic Tarlov cysts are believed to be extremely rare, commonly presenting as sacral or lumbar pain syndromes, sciatica or rarely as cauda equina syndrome. However, in the Tarlov community we have found that TCD is extremely under diagnosed because radiologists report them as incidental findings and doctors ignore them as a possible source of pain. Because of this patients may go years or even decades without a diagnosis or treatment leading to permanent nerve damage, opioid addiction and severe depression!

Posted Jul 27, 2021 by KetoGma 2500

Is low but probably because is a under diagnose condition and 99% of the doctors assume they are assimptomaric

Posted Oct 25, 2022 by Tania 2500