What Is Arachnoiditis?

By James Witherspoon
Following an accident resulting in damage to the spine, an introduction of the wrong kinds of chemicals into the body, or even a botched spine surgery, a person may develop a permanent condition known as arachnoiditis. Named for the layer of tissue that surrounds the spine, arachnoiditis is the inflammation of this tissue, which may then cause irreversible nerve damage around the spine. This disease is not only permanent, but may be extraordinarily painful for some sufferers.

Arachnoiditis develops as a notable inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the three meninges that play a vital role in protecting major nervous system components like the spine and brain. When damages to this tissue become more extreme, the result can be the formation of extensive scar tissue around the nerves. In some instances, these nerves may take adhesive properties, attaching to other nearby nerves.If this happens, the results can be extraordinarily painful.

The symptoms for arachnoiditis are straightforward, but may be excruciating for sufferers. The most commonly associated symptom is chronic pain, which varies in severity according to the extent of nerve damage. This may be so painful for some that the act of sitting for a lengthy period of time becomes unbearable. In addition to chronic pain, numbness or a tingling sensation are notable problems cited by sufferers.

Treatment for arachnoiditis is perhaps the most grim part of the disease. Although, for some, regular therapy and slight alterations to their lifestyle can reduce many of the symptoms, there is no cure. This disease is currently a permanent affliction, and all existing therapy options only to reduce pain.

For more information regarding how improper treatment can play a role in the development of this disease, contact a medical malpractice lawyer.