Tarlov Cyst Treatment Options: A Research-Based Overview

Sep 30
4 min read

Tarlov cysts, also known as perineural cysts, are cerebrospinal fluid–filled sacs that typically form around the nerve roots in the sacral spine. Most are silent, but about 20% become symptomatic, leading to pain, neurological changes, and pelvic or bladder dysfunction.

For years, patients were told there was “no treatment available for Tarlov Cysts.” However, published research now documents a range of approaches, from conservative management to minimally invasive interventions and microsurgical repair.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is educational — to outline what the research shows about each Tarlov Cyst treatment option, without suggesting that any one method is superior.

Conservative Management

Conservative approaches aim to manage symptoms rather than treat the cyst itself.

Examples: NSAIDs, neuropathic pain medications, physical therapy, activity modification, TENS units.
Reported outcomes: In one series, about 25% of patients found meaningful relief, while most either saw little change or progressive symptoms (Pain Physician Journal, 2017).

Conservative care may be suitable for patients with mild or stable symptoms; however, it often provides limited long-term benefits.

CT-Guided Aspiration and Fibrin Glue Injection (AFGI)

Developed and published by Dr. Kieran Murphy (2008, AJNR), this minimally invasive procedure involves aspirating cyst fluid under CT guidance, then sealing the cyst with fibrin glue.

Unique aspect: Aspiration can serve as a diagnostic test — if the cyst collapses and symptoms improve temporarily, it supports the cyst as the pain source.
Reported outcomes: In Murphy’s published series, approximately 70–80% of patients experienced meaningful improvement.
Considerations: Some surgeons believe fibrin glue may complicate later open surgery, though this remains debated.

Microsurgical Approaches

These include opening or reducing the cyst and repairing the nerve root covering. Common techniques:

Fenestration (opening the cyst wall)
Imbrication (folding and reinforcing the cyst wall, often with graft material)
Partial resection or wrapping
Reported outcomes: Studies such as J Spine Surg 2019 and Global Spine J 2025 show 75–82% of patients improve postoperatively.
Risks: CSF leaks, infection, recurrence, and the inherent risks of spinal surgery.

Percutaneous Fibrin Gel Injection (C-Arm Guided)

Another minimally invasive approach uses fluoroscopy (C-arm) to drain and fill the cyst with fibrin gel.

Reported outcomes: In one study of 56 patients, 61% had complete remission, 39% had substantial relief, with no recurrences and minimal complications (Pain Physician, 2017).

Other Reported Tarlov Cyst Treatment Interventions

Aspiration + Blood Patch: Some centers have combined cyst aspiration with autologous blood patching.
Hybrid Interventions: Johns Hopkins reviewed 15 years of cases (220 patients) using combinations of aspiration, fibrin glue, or blood patch. About 66% reported symptom improvement, though outcomes varied and statistical significance wasn’t established (Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery, 2024).
Experimental Methods: Historical reports mention cyst shunting or cyst-subarachnoid connections, but these approaches are rarely performed today due to high complication rates.
Long-Term Management Perspectives: In addition to procedural and surgical approaches, some researchers highlight the importance of long-term management for patients with Tarlov cysts and related conditions.

Dr. Forrest Tennant and his colleagues at ArachnoiditisHope have emphasized that cysts within the spinal canal may be linked to connective tissue disorders and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Dr. Tennant's work reassures patients that Tarlov cyst surgery rarely causes Adhesive Arachnoiditis (AA), and stresses the need for ongoing care strategies focused on pain control, inflammation management, and regenerative support. This perspective broadens the discussion from single interventions to long-term quality of life.

Key Takeaways

Multiple treatment options exist. From conservative to minimally invasive to surgical, each has research support — but also risks and limitations.
CT-guided aspiration and fibrin glue is an established minimally invasive option with evidence of benefit.
Microsurgical repair offers improvement for many patients but carries surgical risks.
Percutaneous fibrin gel injection and other interventional methods provide additional pathways being studied.
No single treatment is universally recommended. Each patient’s care plan should be individualized, based on symptoms, cyst characteristics, comorbidities, and informed discussion with specialists.