Arachnoiditis 

Spinal Arachnoiditis is a neuropathic disease caused by inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, one of the membranes that cover and protect the spinal nerves and nerve roots in the lumbar region. 

Patients with spinal arachnoiditis typically experience severe, burning, and persistent stinging pain in the lower extremities. 

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Spinal Arachnoiditis Symptoms

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Patients typically experience severe, persistent pain in the lower extremities. 

The most common problem caused by the condition is pain, but it can also cause the following problems:

• Numbness, tingling sensation or weakness in the legs.

• A feeling as if water is running down the leg or insects are crawling on the skin.

• Electric shock sensation that causes severe pain in the legs.

• Uncontrollable twitching.

• Muscle spasms and cramps.

• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control.

• sexual dysfunction.

Arachnoiditis is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms can become more severe or even persistent over time, causing patients to suffer significant disability. Patients are in constant pain and this prevents them from working.

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Causes of Spinal Arachnoiditis

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Arachnoiditis can be caused by:

• Infections such as tuberculosis and meningitis

• Injuries to the lumbar spine that may result from needle or catheter insertion due to anesthesia

• Myelograms, especially those made using oil-soluble dyes in the past.

• Frequent spinal injections

• spine operations

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Diagnosing Spinal Arachnoiditis

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MR imaging is the gold standard for diagnosing arachnoiditis. It typically occurs in nerve roots. On contrast-enhanced shots, enlargement of nerve roots and swelling of thickened nerves can also be seen.

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Spinal Arachnoiditis Treatment

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Treatment of arachnoiditis may initially include limitation of physical activities and use of steroids. Anti-inflammatory drugs and gabapentin may be helpful. Patients may need to seek psychological help to help them cope with the depression surrounding the pain. A spinal cord stimulator may be placed to help with some of the pain. Implantable, infusion pain pumps that deliver opiates and other drugs directly into the spinal canal may also be useful.

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Prognosis

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The prognosis can vary depending on the severity of arachnoiditis. With the variety of modalities available, patients can generally achieve a reasonably good and acceptable level of pain.

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​ Contact for detailed information and appointment requests Click the page .

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Dr. Tamer Tekin