Arachnoiditis is an inflammatory condition of the middle or the arachnoid layer of the meninges. Meninges are the membranes that surround the brain & spinal cord. Arachnoiditis simply means inflammation of the arachnoid lining of the meninges. Adhesive arachnoiditis, on the other hand means that the arachnoid layer has stuck to or glued itself to nerve roots of the spinal cord.
What is the cause of arachnoiditis ?
The definitive disease process begins with the inflammation of the nerve root or “cauda equina”. Only when these inflamed nerve roots start sticking to or adhering (forming adhesions) to the arachnoid lining can we say that “arachnoiditis” occurs.
There may be some patients who are diagnosed with arachnoiditis or may have the symptoms of this condition but only have nerve root inflammation that has not progressed to the point of adherence.
What are the symptoms of arachnoiditis ?
Arachnoiditis is an extremely painful, debilitating and progressive condition.
When nerve root inflammation persists and continues, the nerve roots clump together in a conglomerate mass (tumor-like) and cause relentless pain and dysfunction of the nerves that connect to all the major organs like the stomach, intestine, sexual organs, pelvis, legs, and feet. This nerve clump retains electricity, interferes with nerve conduction, interferes with flow of spinal fluid, and produces toxic inflammatory by-products that create a systemic (“all-over”) autoimmune condition.
The electricity in the nerve clump hampers normal nerve conduction and leads to symptoms like sweating, jerking legs, hot flashes, numbness, tingling and burning in feet.
The nerve clump may also cause cerebrospinal fluid blockage that can produce headaches, pain behind the eyes and blurred vision. All these symptoms can even occur lacking the arachnoid layer adherence to inflamed nerve roots.
How is arachnoiditis diagnosed ?
MRI examination- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are interpreted by radiologists as showing arachnoiditis only much later even though the patient may be showing all the symptoms. This is so usually because the nerve roots are in the inflammation and clumping stage by themselves but have not yet adhered themselves to the arachnoid lining.
However, nerve root inflammation can be observed on an MRI since inflammation causes edema (swelling), displacement and the adherence or clumping of nerve roots to each other.
What is the treatment of arachnoiditis ?
Every patient needs to have a daily regimen to keep their neuroinflammation from accumulating in the nerves.
Topical pain relieving creams work best under infrared, vibrator, massager, or heat. A regular sleep pattern enhances the hormone and immunologic systems that are necessary for neurogenesis. Certain spinal cord exercises, recommended by specialists also can be done.
How to find neurologists for arachnoiditis treatment ?
Now you can find neurologists for arachnoiditis treatment from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple neurologists, get cost estimates for arachnoiditis treatment from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a neurologist for arachnoiditis treatment.
Find a neurologist for arachnoiditis treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
