January 9, 2014

Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is an inflammation of the arachnoid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It can cause chronic pain, numbness, tingling, and chronic pain in the lower back or lower limbs. There are several causes of arachnoiditis, including cancer, infection, chemotherapy, contrast media, or medications given intrathecally. It can be a complication of obstetric epidurals, resulting in chronic adhesive arachnoiditis. The diagnostic imaging test of choice is an MRI

The treatment of arachnoiditis is difficult and often unsuccessful. There is no known cure for the condition. Most often it is treated with medications focusing on relieving pain, since arachnoiditis typically results in chronic pain and neurological defects. As it progresses, the symptoms may worsen and become permanent.

Arachnoiditis is very debilitating and can significantly impair the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living.