Ketogenic Diet and Physical Exercise on Managing Tarlov Cysts: A Case Report

Abstract

Tarlov Cysts is a pathological condition, with low incidence, characterized by a painful component with a strong impact on quality of life. The therapeutic options are surgery or analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory medications; however, the condition is still without resolution. Herein, we are reporting a case of a woman who expressly followed a low-calorie ketogenic diet program for 3 months. In addition to the change in diet, an appreciable decrease of weight (−5 kg) and body circumferences were recorded; there was also a marked improvement (evident from the questionnaires administered) in the quality of life, of sleep, and in the perception of pain. It is interesting to note how, in conjunction with the Christmas period, upon leaving the ketogenic regime, there was a recurrence of symptoms, confirming the beneficial effect of the low-caloric ketogenic diet at least on the management of pain and, very likely, on inflammation.