Tarlov Cyst on the spine: Any advice?

Posted by vadaanglin @vadaanglin, Jan 31, 2019

I have a large tarlov cyst 2.5cm and 3.5cm on the spine in the lumbar region. Some what rare and doctors seem to know little about and say they are nonproblematic. I'm having chronic pain. Any advise will be appreciated.

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@joken

The big problem with the medical community and Tarlov cysts is that close to 80% of folks have them, and they are asymptomatic for them. The few percent of us whose Tarlov cysts are symptomatic are disregarded because very few neuroradiologists have the skill set and expertise to notate on your MRI report the number of cysts, dimensions of each cyst, fluid volume of each cyst, as well as the exact location of each cyst. I just had my pain specialist order a MRI requesting all of that information. I paid $550.00 for it. The report came back with not one of those requests notated. The neuroradiologist argued that the cysts are benign, incidental findings and it was ludicrous to ask in the first place. My doctor called the radiologist and found out he just didn't know how. I was refunded all my money. Now, I'm looking for a neuroradiologist closer to Florida to send the MRI disc to. Perhaps John Hopkins in Jacksonville. I have done hours of research, purchased medical journal articles, etc. in order to become more educated to advocate for myself. Please do not give up. If you do, you've lost. Keep hope alive!
I'll be happy to share what I've learned. Just feel free to ask.

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I have them in every level of the spine. All the doctors say the same thing. Should not be the cause of my pain.

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