Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the arachnoid membrane, one of the three meninges (protective membranes) that surround the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation leads to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions, which can cause the spinal nerve roots to clump together and become dysfunctional. This condition most commonly affects the spinal arachnoid membrane, particularly in the lumbar (lower back) region, and is sometimes referred to as spinal arachnoiditis or adhesive arachnoiditis. The condition primarily affects the nervous system and can cause a wide range of debilitating symptoms including chronic and severe burning pain in the lower back and legs, numbness and tingling in the extremities, muscle cramps and spasms, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and in severe cases, paralysis of the lower limbs. Some patients also experience sexual dysfunction and difficulty sitting for prolonged periods. The pain associated with arachnoiditis is often described as neuropathic in nature and can be persistent and difficult to manage. Arachnoiditis is most commonly acquired rather than inherited, with known causes including complications from spinal surgery, epidural injections, intrathecal injections of certain substances (including some contrast dyes formerly used in myelography), spinal infections (such as meningitis or tuberculosis), and spinal trauma. There is currently no cure for arachnoiditis, and treatment is primarily focused on symptom management and improving quality of life. Treatment approaches include pain management with medications (such as anti-inflammatory drugs, neuropathic pain agents, and in some cases opioids), physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and psychological support. Surgical intervention is generally not recommended as it may worsen the condition by promoting further scar tissue formation.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Arachnoiditis