Spinal Arachnoiditis

Spinal arachnoiditis is chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the spinal arachnoid, often following spinal surgery, infection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or contrast myelography. Clinical: persistent radicular/back pain, numbness, weakness, and sphincter disturbance. Imaging shows clumping of nerve roots. There is no curative therapy; management is pain control, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Common Symptoms

Persistent back/radicular pain; numbness; weakness; sphincter disturbance; history of spinal surgery/infection/contrast

Causes and Pathogenesis

Inflammation after surgery/infection/hemorrhage/contrast causes arachnoid fibrosis and nerve-root clumping, compressing spinal roots.

Treatment

Pain control; physical therapy/rehab; nerve blocks; treat underlying cause; no curative therapy

Preventive Measures

Avoid unnecessary invasive spinal procedures; treat infection early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.