Tarov cyst - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

MOMOFBOYZ · 12-12-2008, 02:10 PM

Hi all I know it's been awhile. It has taken awhile to get any news back. My nuro sent my mri films to a learning hospital for a seconf opinion on a cyst or tumor in my cervical spine. C6-c7.
Today I learned they say it is a perinural or Tarov cyst. I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with this? I did some research and guess what? It is kind of rare, especially in the cervical spine. Aren't I lucky?
Anyway I have been sick for 3 yrs and no one knows exactly what is causing it. I am waiting for the nuerosurgeon to call me and see what the next step is. It is kind of complicated b/c I also have cervical stenosis that hurts and is causing symptoms at the same location as well. So he might want to do something about the Tarlov cyst and help the cervical spine at the same time???
Just seeing if anyone out there had any input. Thanks in advance!!!!
Deena

captnanny · 12-16-2008, 01:40 AM

Hi,
I believe I have the same thing on my cervical spine at c-2. I have to have surgery this thursday because it grew into the fusing area and now I have screws loose. I am very scared because I am in so much pain and I could feel something swollen there I just didn't know what. It hurts so bad but they said if I didn't have surgery it would keep growing and possibly go into my spinal canal even more. The ct report did say I had spinal stenosis which I think means narrowing of the spinal cord. I am so scared because I just want a little relief so I can play with the children I nanny for two days a week. I want to feel able to walk or even lay down without pain. They said cysts in the neck are rare. DId your doc talk to you about options?

MOMOFBOYZ · 12-16-2008, 01:20 PM

Thanks for your reply! I actually meant Tarlov cyst. But I see you got the point. Also called a perinueral cyst. Unfortuately and this is totally my luck Loma Linda where we sent the films to look at lost the films. So the office is trying to be patient while they find them or the nurse is going to call in a favor to the radiologist to duplicate the films at no charge.
Apparently it is sort of an emergengy. They asked me when I want the surgery and I asked what kind she said an anterior cervical fusion. B/c like you I have stenosis in the c6-c7 area. I asked about the cyst and she, the nurse, said it was no big deal. But I have been doing a little research and apparently they are rare and take someone experienced to work with them.
I just said if the doc said it could wait a few weeks that I have two young boys and would rather not spend Christams in the hospital. So she is going to call me tomorrow the doc is in surgery all day today. I think we're looking at the first or second week of Janurary.
Now I have to look up this anterior cervical fusion. I have no idea how many nights after you have to stay in the hospital. Do you?
Tell me your story. How big is your Tarlov cyst? Mine started at 5mm in August and by October it was 8mm. I fear it is growing as I have a lot of pain. My shoulders hurt and it goes all the way around my waist like a tight rubber band. Also my arms are too heavy to lift, dizziness, muscle spams. feet hurt and are often too heavy to lift. The back of my legs can hurt soooo bad. I am hoping the surgery if successful can help me with some of these symptoms. Pls tell my what all your going through!!!!
Merry CHristmas,
Deena

captnanny · 12-16-2008, 03:37 PM

All I know is that they did not tell me what kind of cyst I have. I have already had an anterior approach so they are going through the back. There is too much scar tissue in the front. I do know that I have screws loose and am in too much pain. My shoulder and neck is numb. It is itchy, feels like someone is pulling my hair all the time or stabbing knife in the back of my neck (right side). I know I am scared to death, the hospital stay will be two to four days but I won't be able to do anything for two to four weeks.
I am a little apprehensive since some people here have had no relief from the second surgery. That really scares me. When the doctor pushed on the cyst it felt like an electrical current running through my head giving me intense, severe pain.
Any other surgeries for you?

MOMOFBOYZ · 12-28-2008, 04:02 PM

When is your surgery???? I hope it all works out for you!
I haven't had any others. Just a lymph node biopsy.
The nurse told me I will only stay in the hospital for one night. But I am going and if he wants to leave the cyst I will be seeking a third opinion. Since it has slightly grown I do not need a second surgery later on.
My consult is Jan 12th.
Pls let me know how you are. I hope you had a nice CHristmas. It was hard doing things in so much pain, hu????? How old are you? Only asking b/c I am 43 and feel and move like an 80 ry old. Kind of degrating!

Pls let me know more.
Thanks,
Deena