Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day

History of Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day

Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day was first observed in 2023 following the efforts of the founder, Katie Maskey. Today, more than 20 different states and five Canadian provinces have officially recognized the day, with the hope of more places and groups coming along in the future to connect with this important event.

One of the purposes behind the day is to improve education and information so that patients can receive more expedient and accurate diagnoses with less invasive options for treatment!

While the history of this disease dates back to the 1930s, when the cysts were first identified, it remains a rather mysterious health issue. The disease is named after the American neurosurgeon, Isadore Tarlov, who first described them. 

These cysts are most often located on the spinal cord and are often asymptomatic. In many cases, Tarlov cysts are only discovered through MRI or other imaging when scanning for different health concerns.

If the cysts become large enough, they can begin to cause pain, muscular spasms, paresthesia, weakness, numbness or tingling, loss of limb use, or sexual dysfunction.

Some people can have clusters of these in different areas along the spinal cord and the location will determine what type of symptoms might occur.

Women are more likely to experience symptoms from Tarlov cysts. While various treatments have been tried in the past, patients continue to need better research that will lead to improved options, particularly with the ability to avoid surgery whenever possible.