What causes Tarlov cysts?
The cause of Tarlov cysts is unknown, but there are several theories including a tendency to develop a weakness in the meninges (covering of the brain and spinal cord ) or a weakness that is present at birth. Some who have Tarlov cysts have connective tissue disorders as well, and there is a question regarding the incidence of both in some patients. There seems to be a significant incidence of history of trauma related to the onset of the most severe symptoms associated with Tarlov cysts in the majority of patients. It is possible that the Tarlov cysts have been present, but asymptomatic for a number of years, and then are triggered by a traumatic incident causing further pressure or injury to the spine and causing the cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSF) to increase, the cysts to develop, fill with spinal fluid, enlarge, press on spinal nerves and become symptomatic. Some of these incidents that Tarlov cyst patients have shared are automobile accidents (especially rear end collisions),
