perineural cyst in cervical spine
 

I have a question about these cysts,are the the same,perineural and tarlov?I recently had a mri and a 3mm perineural cyst was found in c6-and c7,on the right.The doctor said results were normal,are these cysts "NORMAL" cuz 90% of my pain,which is burning and radiating,is on my right side,The neuro doctor said pain was not from cyst,but i think it is,does anyone have a perineural cyst in the neck that caused pain?any info would help,my life is ruined from my neck pain.thank you:(

Perineural = Tarlov
 

Dr. Tarlov first identified these cysts during his research in the 1930's. Thus, they are frequently referred to as Tarlov cysts. There was a common belief for years that perineural cysts do not cause symptoms. Despite considerable research and evidence to the contrary, medical providors usually referred to them as "incidental" or "asymptomatic". Several doctors have attempted to treat these cysts by aspirating the cysts and injecting fibrin glue into the space. Unfortunately, this procedure was not effective for most patients. The technique developed by Dr. Frank Feigenbaum and his team at the Reasearch Medical Center in Kansas City has resulted in eliminating the pain and symptoms for hundreds of patients form around the world.
I refused to accept the diagnosis of "total permanent disability" from my work accident in March of 2006. I pursued treatment across the US, and on November 30 of 2010 Dr. Feigenbaum restored my life.

I also have perineural cysts, as well as other issues with my neck. 2 1/2 years ago i found out i had 1, a week ago i found out there are more. I have had chronic neck pain radiating down to my shoulders for nearly 5 years now. I will be seeing a neurologist mid May. I have tried everything to ease the pain. NOTHING helps! I had 3 epidural steroid injections, none of them helped. I hope surgery can fix this, I'm sick of hurting.:(

Hi my name is Amanda and I have perineural cysts! I think I need to learn your medical lingo too...
On top of this issue I also have Interstitial Cystitis a bladder disease where I am missing the GAG Layer, or the protective lining. It is an autoimmune, chronic pain disorder and has caused Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. I also have Fibromyalgia, and migraines.

My Concern is that I am having my cysts aspirated tomorrow-- April 30th, there are 8 of them from C3 to T2. And the edema in my arms most morning is to the point that my husband has to pick me out of bed, and they go numb on and off throughout the day. My neck muscles get so tight and start spasming so bad out of no where when I presume that these cysts get irritated??All I know is that I do not like them and I want these little suckers gone.

This is similar to my situation. Two years ago I was diagnosed with having a perineural cyst between c6 and c7. I was given physical therapy and placed on a neck stretcher. Almost immediately the chronic pain in my lower back, weakness in hands, and constant stiff shoulders went completely away. This was so amazing because I had suffered for 15 years with Chronic lower back pain and was told it was fibromyalgia. I have had 6 foot surgeries as the plantar facias were always tight in both feet. So for years no bare footing, heels, sandals and always had to have orthotics in my shoes. The symptoms stayed gone for near three months before they came back just as quickly as they disappeared.
I know that all my chronic pain in back is a result of this cyst. I also know that it can be cured......I was for a time. I will be going back to Dr. Next week cause I can't live with this anymore. I fear he will think it is all in my head but, I know better.
Hope you get help...

a real pain in the neck
 

the 1st dr also told me they were of normal range. then I got a smart dr. who told me that it isn't normal, which is why there is the term listed! ahh finally someone who is smart! I have horrific pain not only in my neck, but my right shoulder feels like it needs to fall off. I get regular trigger point injections, which isn't a cure, but just something to get you thru. the trigger point inj. make you dizzy, so just be careful. I wish you well. right there with you!

Hi......I have chronic pain in my neck. Finally had mri and the report showed 5 perineural cysts 2 between c6-c7 one at c7-t1 and 2 at t1-t2. I work at the hospital where I had the mri and he told me thst the largest is 1 cm. Today I went to see a neurosurgeon at a major chicago hospital. I was told that they are incidental and could not be causing my symptoms. My biggest complaint besides the constant pain is severe burning and radiating pain across my neck with arm movement. I guess my question is, does anyone know how big these cysts have to be to cause pain? I was very disappointed and frustrated with my appoinent today. He says uts just arthritis and suggested physical therapy and wants to do an emg for carpal tunnel?

cervical tarlov cysts
 

hi.....new on here and from what I am reading, many of you are experiencing my frustration. I have been told my mri report shows at least 5 tarlov cysts, the largest being 1cm. they are at c6-c7, c7-t1 and t1-t2, which is exactly where my pain is. My major complaint other than the constant pain that radiates across and down my neck is burning constatntly. Today I actually had an appointment with the chairperson on neurosurgery at a major Chicago hospital. He totally disregarded the cysts stating they are seldom seen in this area and that they couldn't be causing my pain, blames it on arthritis. He wants me to do physical therapy and pain management. I asked him if it is arthritis, why doesn't advil at least dull the pain, he had no answer and told me several times that there was nothing for him to operate on, also wants me to have an emg for carpal tunnel? I was very frustrated and disappointed when I left there. Does anyone have any idea if that size cyst could be causing my pain? Thank you and I hate to hear so many suffering from this and if it's so rare in this area, why are there so many of us with this showing on mri's?

pain could be from cyst
 

Pain could be from the cyst. Most doctors think they are benign, however approximately 20% or more are not benign. Check into the "Tarlov Cyst Foundation" for information, they have a website. Also, most recognized surgeon on the subject is Frank Feigenbaum at Tarlov Cyst Institute who also has web page. Educate your yourself. I'm not necessarily recommending surgery. I've been living with the pain for four years. My cyst is 8 mm and is at the right of my S2. I guess most of these are in the sacral region but it is my understanding they also occur in the C and T areas. Sorry you have it, it is a thankfully small club but very painful.

Did the aspiration work?
 

Did the aspiration work? I hear that they usually refill. The cyst on your c disk could cause neuropathy in your arms.

Size Does Not Dictate
 

I saw a chiropractor for waking up wrong on my neck. Everything was alright until she adjusted me. Within 24 hours, my neck locked and the left side of my face swelled and I was in pain. The weird part of it was that I began having pain down my arms and legs. I called them and they took me back in a couple days later. I was told that a bone was out of place and that it had to be readjusted to get it back in. I was concerned, but complied because I looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame. I wish now, that I had gone to the emergency room. After and MRI of both the top and full back, I have 3 Tarlov cysts. One in the neck, back and one on s2. The first neurologist I saw did not want to touch me when he saw the MRI. He told me not to let anyone touch the cysts. Then, he sent me on my way.

I have been going to another doctor and he felt I needed to have surgery. I am getting a third opinion soon. After doing the research I believe the chiropractor caused these. When there is trauma to the spine and spinal fluid is interrupted, they form. They are on the nerve roots which means that they do not have to be large to be symptomatic. I also have one at 1 CM on s2 and it is very symptomatic. I have most all of the symptoms on the list including bowel issues. The day before this incident happened, I had none of this. I wonder if this has happened to anyone else?

I was just diagnosed with Bilateral perineural cysts on C-7 and T-1 and Left perineural cysts on T-1 and T-2, also facet arthropathy at C-2 through C-4 , spurs, and disc disease in my neck. And a bulged disc @ C5-6 and disc space narrowing. I suffer from burning between the shoulder blades, pins and needles sensation all over my body. Sometimes so severe that even a strong breeze across my skin is painful. My neurosurgeon made the comment " You shouldn't be in so much pain with your condition" and promptly dismissed me after spending a whole 5 minutes with me. My family physician now has me on Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Hydrocodone. I'm supposed to take 4 of the hydrocodone daily but currently only taking 1/2 in the Am and half in the PM.. I was told I wasn't a candidate for surgery or epidural shot (already had two). My question is this.. will this condition go away, am I stuck with it for the rest of my life doomed to a daily routine of drugs?

You are "stuck with it" only if you choose to be stuck with it. Do some research, and get another consult with a neurologist who has an open mind and accepts new procedures for addressing disabling conditions. It will require perseverance on your part, but a life of Neurontin and hydrocodone is no life at all. I've been there.
I continually praise the work of Dr. Feigenbaum as he was the one neurologist who actually took the time to consider my symptoms and offer a solution. Then he restored my life.

Ive been suffering w neck, upper back, shoulder, arm hand pain, numbness & burning for 11 yrs now. Have had 8 surgeries in the last ten yrs, including a C5/6 Fushion Diskectomy.
more recent Thoracic Outlet decompression. I had a recent MRI due to having increased shoulder & arm pain & cramping. Of all the MRI 's ive had over the yrs, this last one in May, shows perineural cysts in 4 levels on both sides. My neurologists says hes not concerned with this, cuz there in 4 levels, if it was just one level its more concerning. I had one at T2 level bf my neck surgery, but my neurosurgeon didn't think anything of it, maybe cuz I had other issues with C -spine going on. The Radiologist didn't comment on the size of my cysts. Yes, Tarlov & Perineural are the same. Tarlov is the Dr 's last name who discovered these cysts I think in the 1930 's.
Hope this helps, Good Luck!