Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis (/əˌræknɔɪˈdaɪtɪs/) is a neurological condition that causes pain and other symptoms due to inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Etymology

The term "arachnoiditis" is derived from the Greek words "arachne," meaning spider, and "itis," meaning inflammation. This is due to the web-like appearance of the arachnoid membrane.

Symptoms

Symptoms of arachnoiditis can vary greatly, but often include pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis.

Causes

Arachnoiditis is typically caused by an injury to the spine, bacterial or viral infections, chemicals, chronic compression of spinal nerves, or complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures.

Treatment

Treatment for arachnoiditis is usually focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Related Terms

• Neurology
• Inflammation
• Central nervous system
• Spinal cord
• Brain
• Pain management
• Physical therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Arachnoiditis
• Wikipedia's article - Arachnoiditis

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