Aspiration

Removal of fluid and cells through a needle. Needle aspiration is used on occasion as a diagnostic tool to determine whether a Tarlov cyst is symptomatic. If there is a small or slow communication to the cyst from the spinal canal the aspiration may provide a temporary improvement in symptoms. This would suggest that the Tarlov cyst is at least partially responsible for the patient’s symptoms. If however there is a large communication and the cyst refills rapidly during the aspiration procedure then the patient may not get to experience a change in symptoms.