About Arachnoiditis
Learn about the disease, illness and/or condition Arachnoiditis including: symptoms, causes, treatments, contraindications and conditions at ClusterMed.info.
Arachnoiditis
Arachnoiditis |
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Arachnoiditis InformationCauses of ArachnoiditisInflammation of the arachnoid can lead to the formation of scar tissue and can cause the spinal nerves to stick together and malfunction. The arachnoid can become inflamed because of an irritation from one of the following sources:
Making the DiagnosisDiagnosing arachnoiditis can be difficult, but tests such as the CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) have helped with diagnosis. A test called an electromyogram (EMG) can assess the severity of the ongoing damage to affected nerve roots by using electrical impulses to check nerve function.Note: Myelograms with the radiographic contrast currently in use, combined with CAT scanning, are not considered to be responsible for causing arachnoiditis or causing it to worsen. SymptomsArachnoiditis has no consistent pattern of symptoms, but in many people it affects the nerves connecting to the lower back and legs. The most common symptom is pain; but, arachnoiditis can also cause:
Treating ArachnoiditisThere is no cure for arachnoiditis. Treatment options for arachnoiditis are similar to those for other chronic pain conditions. Most treatments focus on relieving pain and improving symptoms that impair daily activities. Often, health care professionals recommend a program of pain management, physiotherapy, exercise, and psychotherapy. Surgery for arachnoiditis is controversial because outcomes can be poor and provide only short-term relief. Clinical trials of steroid injections and electrical stimulation are needed to determine whether those treatments are effective.Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, September 2004.Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005 |
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