YOU are here : Home > Spine Disorders > Spinecare




Spine Disorders

  • By: ISA Content Team
  • Share This:
  • Font Size: AA

Arachnoiditis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

There generally is no characteristic symptomatology.The symptoms are similar to many other spinal conditions.There may be dural tension signs present if there are adhesions involving one or more spinal nerves.Signs and symptoms of arachnoiditis include:

  • Low back pain
  • Extremity muscle weakness if there is neurological compromise
  • Radiating spinal nerve pain
  • Bowel and bladder dysfunction
  • Sensory abnormalities along the course of involved spinal nerves.
 CAUSES
 
Arachnoiditis can result from any event, procedure or disorder which stimulates inflammation and fibrin deposition at the level of arachnoid membrane.Historically it used to be more commonly related to trauma or spinal meningitis whereas now it is more commonly associated with procedures. It is sometimes the cause of back pain secondary to surgical laminectomy. More common causes involve diagnostic and surgical procedures.
 
 
  • Spinal surgery
  • Spinal injection
  • Subarachnoid bleeding
  • Infectious meningitis
  • Spinal trauma
  • Adverse reaction to Inhtrathecal dyes
  • Leptomeningeal cancer spread
RISK FACTORS

Individuals who have underlying conditions which promote inflammation, suppress the immune system or are associated with abnormal blood clotting are at greater risk for developing arachnoiditis. Exposure of the arachnoid membrane during a surgical procedure increases the risk for developing arachnoiditis. Risk factors include:
 
  • Smoking
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulant)
  • Diabetes
  • Leukemia
  • Immunosuppressive drugs
  • Tuberculosis
  • Spinal exposure to oil or water based contrast agents



Educational Partners

flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr
flickr

To learn more about your spine. spinehealth, and available spinecare go to the International Spine Assocition (ISA) at www.spineinformation.org. The primary mission of the ISA is to improve spinehealth and spinecare through education. The ISA is committed to disseminating need-to-know information throught the World Wide Web in numerous languages covering many topics related to the spine, including information about spine disorders, spine heath, advances in technology and available spinecare



DISCLAIMER
All health information posted on the site is based on the latest research and national treatment standards, and have been written or reviewed and appoved by the American Acedemy of Spine Physicians and/or International Spine Association physicians or health professionals unless otherwise specified.



The information provided on this site is designed to support. not replace,
the relationship that exists between patient/site visitor and his/her physician.