Our research areas
Welcome to the Internet forum of the
Vigdis Thompson Foundation
Our foundation is dedicated to the research and treatment of rare and often unrecognized diseases of the spine: ARACHNOIDITIS, a chronic inflammation of the soft spinal cord membranes in the lower area of the Spine and its special manifestation, TARLOV CYSTS. In 2024, we expanded our field of research to include neuromuscular dysfunction of the deep back muscles, a significant cause of chronic back pain.
The diseases arachnoiditis and Tarlov cysts are extremely rare and and less explored. They are often misjudged by doctors, confused with other diagnoses or ignored. They are typically characterized by a long path of suffering with pain, sensory disturbances and restricted mobility. Those affected are significantly impaired in their quality of life and rarely receive adequate treatment. There are only a few medical facilities worldwide that specialize in this area.
Chronic back pain is one of the most common complaints worldwide. Many people affected suffer from neuromuscular dysfunction of the deep back muscles, particularly the multifidus muscle, which is considered one of the most important stabilizers of the lumbosacral spine. Dysfunction of this muscle can also lead to considerable impairment of quality of life.
The Vigdis Thompson Foundation raises awareness of these diseases, advance their research and is committed to finding supporters. We advise and accompany patients and provide information about symptoms, diagnostics and therapy options. At the same time, we see ourselves as a platform for those affected, relatives, doctors and interested parties. The core of our work are two foundation registers that are open to worldwide access. In these, we collect data from patients with proven arachnoiditis and / or Tarlov cysts on the one hand and neuromuscular dysfunction on the other and evaluate them scientifically.
- Are you looking for information on the topic?
- Are you suffering from arachnoiditis, a Tarlov cyst, neuromuscular dysfunction of the deep back muscles or do you have any corresponding symptoms?
- Would you like to support the work of our foundation?
If you have any questions or would like advice, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at the foundation office from Monday to Friday. We have compiled all the information about arachnoiditis and Tarlov cysts for you on this website. For information and a consultation request on neuromuscular dysfunction, a separate website has been created at chronischer-rückenschmerz.de.
The namesake of the foundation, Mrs. Vigdis Thompson, bequested the starting capital for the establishment of the foundation through part of her estate upon her tragic death.
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To enjoy life.
We support affected people and their relatives on the path to new quality of life.
The Goal of the Vigdis Thompson Foundation
We have made the commitment to establish the first world-wide patient register of people affected by ARACHNOIDITIS and TARLOV CYSTS as well as the organization and implementation of systematic research projects. At the same time, we see ourselves as a platform for affected people, their relatives, supporters and doctors. Since 2024, we have also been operating the first patient register for cases of neuromuscular dysfunction of the deep back muscles.
Information for Affected People
Arachnoiditis and Tarlov Cysts are rare diseases which are so little known in society. The Vigdis Thompson Foundation wants to help affected and interested people to better understand the diseases and their causes. In addition, we inform about symptoms, diagnostics and therapy possibilities.
