Understanding Arachnoiditis
April 3, 2023 | Raquel Paz Bergia | Neurology
Arachnoiditis is a progressive neuroinflammatory disease. It is mainly characterized by pain associated with the arachnoids, a membrane that protects the nerves of the spinal cord. This disease has been considered untreatable and hopeless for many years, however, research has brought new medications and treatments to help patients. Arachnoiditis can also cause symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses, such as spinal cord tumors, cauda Equina syndrome, Arachnoiditis Ossificans, and Syringomyelia.
This article provides insight into the etiology (causes), the physiological effects, the neuropathology, and management of Arachnoiditis.
What is Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis is a rare neuroinflammatory disease that causes pain in the spinal cord. This is mainly due to inflammation of the arachnoids, the membrane that surrounds the nerves of the spinal cord. Arachnoiditis has been associated with many causes, including infections, trauma, and anesthesia. Moreover, this is a rare disease that isn’t generally inherited. Arachnoiditis is known to be chronic, and certain surgeries help provide short-term pain relief.
The Etiology of Arachnoiditis
Arachnoiditis, as stated by the National Institute of Health (NIH) is not generally inherited. Most cases of this disease are due to previous trauma, inflammation, or side effects of anesthesia. 60% of cases are due to complications during spinal cord surgeries. These patients have problems that cause a lot of inflammation. Spinal and epidural anesthesia is another cause of Arachnoiditis mainly because of inflammation due to the composition of anesthesia. Moreover, mechanical injuries and trauma to the spinal cord can lead to increased inflammation of the arachnoids.
How does Arachnoiditis evolve?
Arachnoiditis evolves after days, weeks, or months, after developing the first symptoms. Afterward, it presents gradual, progressive weakness with sensory loss in the lower extremities that can progress to complete paraplegia. Arachnoiditis is a serious condition that has to be tracked by doctors. Even if this evolution occurs to a patient, it is important to continue being surrounded by love and care from family and friends.
Can nootropics and technology help patients with Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis doesn’t have a set of medications, nor technologies that can cure it. However, management of symptoms may help with the pain. Treatments may involve physical therapy and psychotherapy. Moreover, there are certain surgical procedures that may help an Arachnoiditis patient. These generally create short-term relief, and sometimes complications may lead to worsening of the condition. Doctors specialized in Arachnoiditis can come up with clinical treatments, surgeries, and technologies that are non-invasive and can positively impact the life of the patient.
Picture adapted from E. Eisenberg et al. Adhesive arachnoiditis following lumbar epidural steroid injections: a report of two cases and review of the literature. Dove Press (2019).
Where can you learn more about Arachnoiditis?
The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) supports the research for new technologies and medications for Arachnoiditis. This organization has treatment plans, management of symptoms, and many resources for patients and caretakers. Moreover, The Pain Relief Foundation is another great resource of information. It is located in the United Kingdom but provides information worldwide. It has a section specifically for helping patients with Arachnoiditis.
Conclusion
Arachnoiditis is a rare neuroinflammatory disease that affects the lower area of the spinal cord. Many researchers focus on learning more about this condition as it is not hereditary, rather it is caused by life events such as trauma and inflammation. Even though there is no cure, there are therapies that help patients who are losing movement. Patients and those that surround a patient must maintain an optimistic mindset because it is a disease that can be helped.