Which are the causes of Arachnoiditis?

See some of the causes of Arachnoiditis according to people who have experience in Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is a rare and debilitating condition characterized by inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the three membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This condition can cause severe pain and neurological problems, leading to a significant decrease in the quality of life for those affected. While the exact cause of arachnoiditis is not always clear, there are several factors that have been identified as potential contributors to its development.

Infection: In some cases, arachnoiditis can be caused by an infection. Bacterial or viral infections, such as meningitis or tuberculosis, can lead to inflammation of the arachnoid membrane. These infections can damage the nerves and tissues in the spinal cord, resulting in the development of arachnoiditis.

Direct injury: Trauma or injury to the spine can also be a cause of arachnoiditis. This can occur as a result of accidents, falls, or surgical procedures. When the arachnoid membrane is damaged, it can lead to inflammation and scarring, which can then compress the nerves and cause symptoms associated with arachnoiditis.

Chemical irritation: Exposure to certain chemicals or substances can irritate the arachnoid membrane and trigger inflammation. This can include substances used in spinal injections, myelograms, or even certain medications. The chemicals can cause an immune response, leading to inflammation and the development of arachnoiditis.

Spinal surgery: While spinal surgery is often performed to alleviate pain and correct spinal conditions, it can also be a potential cause of arachnoiditis. The surgical procedure itself can damage the arachnoid membrane, leading to inflammation and scarring. Additionally, post-operative complications, such as infection or bleeding, can further contribute to the development of arachnoiditis.

Chronic compression: Prolonged compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots can result in arachnoiditis. Conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or tumors can exert pressure on the arachnoid membrane, leading to inflammation and subsequent scarring.

Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the arachnoid membrane. The immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and the development of arachnoiditis.

Idiopathic: In some cases, the cause of arachnoiditis remains unknown. This is referred to as idiopathic arachnoiditis. It is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors may play a role in these cases.

While the causes of arachnoiditis can vary, the resulting inflammation and scarring of the arachnoid membrane can lead to chronic pain, neurological dysfunction, and disability. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to minimize the impact of this condition on the affected individuals.

Diseasemaps

Posted Apr 5, 2017 by Josh 2600

ARACHNOIDITIS IS AN IATROGENIC CONDITION. This means it is CAUSED by a medical procedure. Today, most cases of Arachnoiditis are causes by Epidural Steroid Injections, whether as a treatment for lower back pain or as a spinal block during childbirth.

The spinal cord is intended to be the most pristine part of the body. Any foreign matter introduced into the spinal cord, even your own blood, can cause issues. So if that needle used during Epidural Steroid Injections goes even ONE MILLIMETER too far into the sura and enters the spinal cord, the medication used (no matter WHAT it is) can cause Arachnoiditis.

Other causes include myelograms, surgeries, meningitis, and extreme blunt trauma to the spine.

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Barbara 1000

Back surgery and spinal injections are probably the two biggest causes, but spinal injuries can cause it as well as other diseases like Tarlov Cysts which cause the spinal fluid to be blocked causing inflammation of the spinal nerves.

Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450

Epidurals. Dura tears. Meningitis

Posted May 18, 2019 by nancy 2500

Damage & swelling in the Arachnoid

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Jcrandall72 2500

Causes can be from a botched surgery when a doctor tears them Dav that covers your back and brain. Any invasive procedures such as epidurals, myelograms (with dye), surgery and so on. However when you have to have these procedures check out the doctor who is doing this.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Deerut1963 2400

The cause of arachnoiditis may influence the type a person develops, as well as the outlook and treatment plan. The most common causes include:

- an injury during spinal surgery, which accounts for about 60 percent of cases

- myelography, when a dye is injected into the spinal column

- exposure to chemicals that damage the meninges

- injections into the spine, such as following an epidural

- lumbar puncture

- viral and bacterial infections of the spine

- physical trauma to the spine, such as from a car accident

- cancer in or around the spine

A very small number of arachnoiditis cases are genetic.

Posted Jan 7, 2020 by Staplehurst17 4050

Adhesive arachnoiditis can be caused when the dura layer of the spine is breeched. A Subarachnoid Hemorrhage into the CSF, an epidural steroid injection gone wrong, spinal surgery or an epidural misplaced for childbirth can cause AA. Also, Dr. Tennant will tell you that a bad case of spinal osteoarthritis involving bulging discs has potential to cause this condition. Having Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome predisposes one to AA. Many people are unaware they have EDS.

Posted Jan 8, 2020 by Rhonda 1600

:eading cause ARE EPIDURAL STEROIDS which probably have an absorption rate similar to intraarticular injections in joints and that's about 7 hours depending on which steroid is used.

Never has anyone researched the absorption rate of epidural steroid drugs when injected because if it is only one week and not a month or several months then what in the heck is the purpose besides getting paid a lot of money to torture us patients

Posted May 1, 2020 by KenNwv 500

92% is caused by x-ray contrast mediums (dye) and ESI the other 8% by injuries Such as car accidents etc there’s meningitis blood into the CSF and incorrect injections into the subarachnoid or dural area of the spine

Posted Jul 9, 2020 by Derek 3000

Interventional intraspinal procedures. This is solely caused by doctors, it does not happen naturally. This is why it’s so hard to find treatment and a diagnosis. No doctor wants to diagnose an iatrogenic disease.

Posted Mar 20, 2021 by Anna 2300

Direct injury to the spine
Chemicals: Dye used in myelograms (diagnostic tests in which a dye called radiographic contrast media is injected into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves) have been blamed for some cases of arachnoiditis. The radiographic contrast media responsible for this is no longer used, however. Also, there is concern that the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections may cause arachnoiditis.
Infection from bacteria or viruses: Infections such as viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine.
Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Causes for this compression include chronic degenerative disc disease or advanced spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal column).
Complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures: Similar causes include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures.

Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Vincent 3420

Many causes, from chronic stenosis and herniations, to spinal surgery, epidural (either steroid or anesthesia) , chemicals such as radiologic oil based contrast, botched Lumbar Punctures, Fungal spinal infections, CSF leaks, dural punctures etc.

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by ACMCRN 2200

Google it,
Lumbar surgery, Lumbar punctures, Accidents. The spinal cord is very well protected, Therefore I believe medical damage trying to treat other pain is responsible for most cases of Arachnoiditis. I had more lumbar injections than I can remember. I had my spinal cord punctured twice with severe electrical pain. Had a spinal fluid leak and a blood patch, after laying in a pool of my own sweat for 2 weeks. it did not hold. It was one hellish couple months.

Posted Jan 7, 2022 by Machinetoolmkr 5550