Small, asymptomatic Tarlov cysts are actually present in an estimated 5 to 9 percent of the general population. However, large cysts that cause symptoms are relatively rare. Tarlov cysts were first identified in 1938, yet there is still very limited scientific knowledge available.
In a recent Tarlov cyst survey (Tarlov Cyst Support Group, Tarlov Cyst Survey), an estimated 86.6 percent of respondents were female, and 13.4 percent were male. This condition affects women far more frequently than it affects men. The largest majority of respondents were ages 31 to 60, with a combined total of 80.4 percent in that age demographic.
An estimated 33 percent of respondents had a cyst(s) present in other parts of the body, most commonly the abdomen or hand and wrists.
An estimated 3 percent of respondents had no pain; 4.2 percent categorized their pain as very mild; 7.6 percent as mild; 31.5 percent as moderate; 38.6 percent as severe; and 15.1 percent as very severe.