Arachnoiditis
Inflammation of the middle layer (arachnoid) of the meninges
A debilitating condition where inflammation to the brain lining causes nerve pain and neurological problems
What is arachnoiditis?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of arachnoiditis? icon plus
Arachnoiditis causes consistent pain in the lower back and legs. In severe cases, it causes debilitating pain throughout the whole body. If left untreated, the symptoms can get worse and can cause permanent disability.
Symptoms include:
- tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs
- a crawling sensation on the skin
- severe shooting pain
- muscle cramps, spasms, and uncontrollable twitching
- bladder, bowel and possible sexual dysfunction
The condition can sometimes be a rare complication of spinal surgery. Trauma to the spine can also be a factor, and viral infections such meningitis or tuberculosis can also be factors.
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How is arachnoiditis diagnosed? icon plus
Arachnoiditis can be hard to diagnose - at first glance, the symptoms can seem similar to nerve compression. Neurological symptoms can also lead to the wrong diagnosis. If the consultant suspects someone has the condition, they will recommend a combination of CT scans and MRI scans. The consultant will look for nerve damage and check whether the nerve roots have clumped together. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
There is no cure for arachnoiditis. Most treatments focus on relieving pain and improving symptoms to restore quality of life. Often, consultants will recommend physiotherapy and exercise.
As arachnoiditis can cause serious disability and chronic pain, people will be encouraged to join support groups and have counselling to relieve the mental stress of the condition. Surgical procedures are sometimes recommended. These include decompression surgery and foraminoplasty.
This treatment, carried out in the gaps between the vertebrae, allows the nerve to be released, relieving trapped nerves.
Our consultants
Our locations
From complex brain and spinal surgery to diagnostic tests and minor procedures, we provide exceptional neurosciences care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344