Hello Everyone,
I'm new here, and it seems that if anyone has a question about tarlov cysts, this is the place to go! I'm just wondering if T. Cysts can come about from a previous spinal injury. In Jan. 2010, I slipped on black ice and landed mostly on my right buttock, but did have some tailbone pain. I've have been on workers comp since then, and have ongoing sciatic-like pain in my left buttock, and the docs are not sure what exactly is wrong; only one doctor has mentioned piriformis syndrome. Anyhow, I woke up 2 mornings ago with pain on the left side of my sacrum. It has become worse, and I am now having trouble walking, bending over, and twisting. More specifically, the pain is located on the left side of the sacrum, right at the tip of the 'wing' of the triangular shaped part (I've looked at diagrams, but can't remember the exact medical terms). There is also swelling, and it is visibly noticeable. It's very sore, tender to touch, and one specific part radiates sharp lateral pain if I touch it directly. It feels like there is a pebble in there! This all came out of nowhere, and I have not recently had a fall, or other injury. I just woke up and there it was.
I want to add that I do have an appointment tomorrow with my regular doc who sees me for my ongoing sciatic problem. I understand that I may have something completely different from T. cysts, but it's just strange that I cannot find much of anything else to match my symptoms. So, my questions: Is it even remotely possible that this could be a T cyst? Could it be related to my injury before of falling on the ice? I'm hoping there is someone at the forum here who has a T cyst related to an impact injury, and has knowledge about this. I thought I did read something about T cysts possibly coming from falls, but I fell almost 2 years ago–it seems unlikely to be related. But the body is mysterious...
Thank you kindly in advance to all who respond; I appreciate the help.
O.M

Hi. I fell down hardwood stairs over 3 years ago and have feelings similar to yours. Finally this last summer an orthopedic doctor did an emg of the leg and buttock area. The results showed that a nerve in the gluteal area was damaged in the fall, something that is happens in crush injuries. I cannot sit or lay down without it hurting and it hurts to touch the area - just like you described.

I am curious about the tarlov cyst idea because in an MRI off my lower back, the radiologist mentioned the possibility of tarlov cysts. Please let me know if you find out anything from your doctor. I have found that it takes forever for any doctor to pay attention.

Thanks.

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with a tarlov cyst a year ago. I am not sure if they come from a fall. When I was diagnosed I was told that it was possible that this cyst was on the spine since I was a child or approx 25 years (I am 27). it is really unknown what causes them, and also what can be done to stop them recurring.
That is my main problem at the moment, I had my cyst drained and had 5 days relief, then I had to have surgery (kind of had no choice as I was in so much pain!) I had the surgery in Aug 2010, then I suffered from a spinal fluid leak and developed bacterial meningitis, I needed another surgery to fix the leak. long road of recovery....then in December the sciatica pain and lower back pain started again, had another MRI and there was another cyst on the spine, just below where the first one was.
They are now looking at the possibility of putting a shunt in to regulate the CSF and see if that will stop another cyst forming. I am going to see a neurosurgeon next week to see if this is an option. has anyone heard of this? i think either way it is open surgery which means another year of recovery and I have a higher probability of getting meningitis again...not a nice situation!!
If anyone has any information it would be much appreciated!