Is there a relation between Fibromyalgia and Tarlov Cyst?

Dr. T. I have FMS and now Tarlov Cyst (TC) added, according to the TC Foundation a number of their clients have both FMS/TC. Can you address this issue for it is quite painful? A Tarlov cyst is a dilation of the nerve root sheath or outer covering of the nerve. Cerebral spinal fluid gets trapped inside the sheath and forms a cyst. Thanks.

Answer

Interesting. This is the 1st I've heard of it, and I've never seen a Tarlov cysts on MRI in any of my fibromyalgia patients. What's interesting is that although I doubt that the Tarlov cysts would be causing the fibromyalgia, the conditions that cause Tarlov cysts such as dramatic brain injury and increased intracranial pressure can also cause the Tarlov cyst. Because of this, if a person with a Tarlov cyst also has widespread pain, fatigue, and especially trouble with sleeping, there is a high probability that they have a fibromyalgia associated as well. In this case, where the surgery may help symptoms coming from the cyst, it would not help the fibromyalgia. In these cases, adding the SHINE protocol may help the rest of the process. In traumatic brain injury, repeated studies show that hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction is routine and routinely missed, so that treatment with proper hormonal support can be remarkably helpful. Thank you for sharing this information with me. I love that people with these conditions teach me as much as I teach them!

L&B,
Dr. T