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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Arachoiditis
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Arachoiditis
by darlin, Nov 09, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Doctor, I’ve posted once before about “clumping of the nerves” it was Arachoiditis. I had an L-4-5 interbody fusion with Brantigan cages and L5-S1 Posterolateral fusion due to joint disease and instability, which was a six -hour surgery. My neurosurgeon is asking me to proceed with another CT/Myelogram at the end of November after stretching for six weeks. (?) I’ve had two in 1984-85 and two more in 2000-01. The pain in my back is above the fusion L-3 and below it S-1-2 with multiple type nerve pain and various nerve distributions. Arachoiditis showed up only at L4-5. Straight leg raises is normal. Can this condition spread or affect other areas? I am very concerned the Myelogram can make the Arachoidits worse or complicate my spine condition. I feel I have only one good shot left at surgery due to scarring etc. My surgeon said that this was the best test to see the nerves. What is your advice about the test at this point with the presents of Arachoiditis? I’m going to be asking my personal physician for a different approach such as an opinion with your neurosurgery department as you suggested and will most likely show him these posting as I pursue this. What other test would you recommend before consultation and reevaluation? Can some of the evaluation be done via-mail? I am on SSI disability with Priority Health Medicade. I thank you so very much for your time and thoughtful information and medical advise. Sincerely, Darlin
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Nov 12, 2001 12:00AM
I read our previous communication from Oct 30 regarding your problem. You do need to be further evaluated, but MRI may be the better option for you rather than a CT myelogram. SOme of the dyes they use in myelograms are well known to cause arachnoiditis in itself due to irritation.So I completely understand your concern as you may be putting yourself at risk for further damage.
I agree that you should consider getting a second opinion from a top spine specialist such as Ed Benzel, M.D. at the Cleveland CLinic who happens to be one of the country's best. Ian Kalfas is also good. Unfortunately, the first visit will have to be in person preferrably with your old films. But they will likely recommend either an MRI or if they feel that the hardware in your spine will make the MRI too hard to interpret, then yes perhaps a CT myelogram. However, we would of course wnat you to have it done at the CLeveland Clinic where they have outstanding interventional radiologists who do these all the time. Bottom line: get the second opinion here and get your workup here, too.
Best of luck.
I agree that you should consider getting a second opinion from a top spine specialist such as Ed Benzel, M.D. at the Cleveland CLinic who happens to be one of the country's best. Ian Kalfas is also good. Unfortunately, the first visit will have to be in person preferrably with your old films. But they will likely recommend either an MRI or if they feel that the hardware in your spine will make the MRI too hard to interpret, then yes perhaps a CT myelogram. However, we would of course wnat you to have it done at the CLeveland Clinic where they have outstanding interventional radiologists who do these all the time. Bottom line: get the second opinion here and get your workup here, too.
Best of luck.
Member Comments (2)
by lanzarote1960, Jan 25, 2002 12:00AM
my father died with condition of constrictive arachnoiditis,he was only 51 and had suffered with his back , since the age of 21, and although we read every thing we possibly could when he was alive , he died in 1991 . i still would like to know more ,as the medical profession has progressed, i feel , more information is now available. i really want to understand this condition if you do have any information you think would help me , i would be grayeful if you would e mail me ***@**** yours faithfully debbie lee
