What is Arachnoiditis
Arachnoiditis is a pain disorder caused by inflammation of the arachnoid. The arachnoid is one of three membranes (meninges) that cover the nerves of the spinal cord.
Arachnoiditis gets worse over time (progresses) because inflammation can cause nerves in the spinal cord to become stuck together.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- Viral or bacterial infections, such as syphilis or tubercular meningitis.
- Damage or injury (trauma) to the spine.
- Complications from surgery.
- Medicines used to numb the spine (spinal anesthetics).
- Invasive procedures involving the spine, such as a lumbar puncture or a myelogram.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- Women who are pregnant and may have spinal anesthesia.
- People who have had back surgery.
- People who have had spinal injections.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The most common symptom of this condition is severe and long-lasting (chronic) pain. The location of the pain varies. Pain is most commonly located in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. Other symptoms of arachnoiditis may include:
- Burning and stinging pain.
- A feeling of tingling, bugs crawling, water dripping, or electric shock.
- Headaches.
- Vision changes.
- Hearing problems.
- Dizziness.
- Numbness.
- Muscle cramps, spasms, or twitches.
- Problems with the bladder, bowel movements, or sexual function.
- Permanent inability to move the lower body and the legs (paralysis). This can happen in very severe cases.
Symptoms vary from person to person. As the condition progresses, some symptoms may get worse.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with:
- A physical exam.
- Medical history.
- MRI with dye injection (contrast).
- CT scan.
- Electromyogram (EMG).
How is this treated?
There is no cure for this condition. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and improve symptoms that interfere with daily life. Treatment methods may include:
- Hot or cold compresses.
- Massage.
- Baths (hydrotherapy).
- Mild exercise.
- Physical therapy.
- Psychotherapy.
- Medicines to reduce pain.
- Medicines to reduce inflammation (steroids).
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Eat healthy foods and drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
- Exercise and do physical therapy as told by your health care provider.
- Use hot and cold compresses as told by your health care provider.
- Ask your health care provider about resources to help you live with this condition. He or she may recommend a support group or a therapist.
- Pay attention to changes in your symptoms.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You develop new symptoms.
Get help right away if:
- You have difficulty breathing.
- You suddenly lose feeling in part of your body.
- You have severe pain.
