Do Tarvov cysts qualify for medical marijuana?
In Missouri, Tarlov cysts are a qualifying condition for getting a recommendation for certification for a medical marijuana Patient ID card. Medical marijuana has proven to be an effective treatment method to provide relief from nerve pain caused by Tarlov cysts. Here is more information from the National Institute of Health about Tarlov cysts:
“Tarlov cysts are sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid that most often affect nerve roots in the sacrum, the group of bones at the base of the spine. These cysts (also known as meningeal or perineural cysts) can compress nerve roots, causing lower back pain, sciatica (shock-like or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down one leg to below the knee), urinary incontinence, headaches (due to changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure), constipation, sexual dysfunction, and some loss of feeling or control of movement in the leg and/or foot. Pressure on the nerves next to the cysts can also cause pain and deterioration of surrounding bone.”
“Tarlov cysts may be drained and shunted to relieve pressure and pain, but relief is often only temporary and fluid build-up in the cysts will recur. Corticosteroid injections may also temporarily relieve pain. Other drugs may be prescribed to treat chronic pain and depression. Injecting the cysts with fibrin glue (a combination of naturally occurring substances based on the clotting factor in blood) may provide temporary relief of pain.”
“In some instances Tarlov cysts can cause nerve pain and other pain, weakness, or nerve root compression. Acute and chronic pain may require changes in lifestyle. If left untreated, nerve root compression can cause permanent neurological damage.”
Source:Â Â https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Tarlov-Cysts-Information-Page