ABOUT ARACHNOIDITIS
Arachnoiditis is initiated when there's an insult to the Arachnoid mater from either trauma, infection, or chemical irritation. When this happens, the body's normal response is to trigger special glial cells located in the nerves. These then migrate to the injured area and release cytokines as part of normal healing.
However, in those who are predisposed to Arachnoiditis, it also causes neuro-inflammation, that if left untreated, becomes swollen and inflamed, leading to the nerves becoming clumped and tethered together, which can progress to them adhering to the dura layer of the meninges, which is commonly called Adhesive Arachnoiditis (or scarring) and is the most severe form of Arachnoiditis.
For people living with a serious disease that's labeled as rare, this can be a real living nightmare. For the thousands, perhaps millions of people who have Arachnoiditis, we need to educate the public and the medical community on this serious public health threat.
WHO IS ACMCRN?
Arachnoiditis & Chronic Meningitis Collaborative Research Network (ACMCRN) serves patients, physicians, and researchers in the global Arachnoiditis community. By harnessing the power of social media, which allows patients and their families - 'Arachwarriors ' to collaborate across the globe, and employing the latest in rare disease research techniques, we hope to find the answers to this rarely studied condition. Through the power of community, (patients, families, physicians, and researchers), we aim to uncover answers that will lead to prevention, care and clinical treatment of this devastating disease.
Starting Point: Emergency Protocol for Arachnoiditis
If you’re newly diagnosed or facing a sudden flare, this page offers a critical starting point. Our Emergency Protocol provides guidance to help reduce inflammation, manage pain, and stabilize your condition during acute episodes.
You’ll also find:
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A summary of treatment options, including prescription and non-prescription medications, medical devices, and alternative therapies
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Information on Dr. Tennant’s Three-Component Protocol, a comprehensive approach to treating the physical, psychological, and neurological aspects of Arachnoiditis
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This resource was created to help you take your first steps toward understanding and managing this complex condition.
