Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: Newly diagnosed arachnoiditis
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Re: Newly diagnosed arachnoiditis
by Sheryn, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Sherryn on April 20, 1999 at 09:15:48
Recently I was given a diagnosis of arachnoiditis. However, I thought there had to be some involvement with either the spinal cord or brain. Is this not necessarily the case? I do have a herniated L5-S1 disc that protrudes only about 4 mm. However, I injured my right SI joint last summer and apparently from the MRI have a buildup of scar tissue in that region. I have at least 1 fracture in the right SI joint and 1 fracture in the right ilium. Osteoporosis is not seriously suspected, as I am 35 years old, the a bone densitometry will be performed in 2 weeks anyway. I have the pain symptoms that are typical of arachnoiditis, partial bladder incontinence, some loss of sensation in the left leg and foot, progressive neurological findings as shown on the EMGs, and some weakness and muscle problems in the left leg. Since my injury occurred below the level of the spinal cord, might my problems still be treatable? I have read as much info as possible on arachnoiditis and only see a road ahead of painkillers and progressive deterioration of my ability to ambulate. Can't anything besides painkillers and pain management techniques be tried to make some attempt at preserving my mobility? My current doctors seem to have given up before they even started because they don't see much hope for anyone with arachnoiditis. Please let me know if something/anything can be attempted. I have seen the suicide stats for this illness and I must say that it is very understandable. Once hope is gone- that's it.
Recently I was given a diagnosis of arachnoiditis. However, I thought there had to be some involvement with either the spinal cord or brain. Is this not necessarily the case? I do have a herniated L5-S1 disc that protrudes only about 4 mm. However, I injured my right SI joint last summer and apparently from the MRI have a buildup of scar tissue in that region. I have at least 1 fracture in the right SI joint and 1 fracture in the right ilium. Osteoporosis is not seriously suspected, as I am 35 years old, the a bone densitometry will be performed in 2 weeks anyway. I have the pain symptoms that are typical of arachnoiditis, partial bladder incontinence, some loss of sensation in the left leg and foot, progressive neurological findings as shown on the EMGs, and some weakness and muscle problems in the left leg. Since my injury occurred below the level of the spinal cord, might my problems still be treatable? I have read as much info as possible on arachnoiditis and only see a road ahead of painkillers and progressive deterioration of my ability to ambulate. Can't anything besides painkillers and pain management techniques be tried to make some attempt at preserving my mobility? My current doctors seem to have given up before they even started because they don't see much hope for anyone with arachnoiditis. Please let me know if something/anything can be attempted. I have seen the suicide stats for this illness and I must say that it is very understandable. Once hope is gone- that's it.
Dear Sherryn:
Sorry to hear about your condition. No, arachnoiditis can occur in the lumbar spine to the base of the sacrum. I guess you know that. Your doctors are correct, there is not much to do. However, you might find an expert neurosurgeon who might be willing to try and dissect out the adhesive connective tissue around the nerve. This should only be performed by someone who is willing and ABLE to do such a procedure. I would not recommend seeing just any neurosurgeon. Other than this small option, there is not much to do than symptomatic management. I wish I had better news.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Follow Ups:
Newly diagnosed arachnoiditis Sherryn 4/28/1999
(1)
Re: Newly diagnosed arachnoiditis CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/07/1999
(0)