Newly Diagnosed or Presumptive Cases
Early identification and treatment of Arachnoiditis is important to prevent the serious complications of Adhesive Arachnoiditis. If you’re newly diagnosed, suspect that you have Arachnoiditis, or are one of the many thousands who have been misdiagnosed for years, you will find the tools to get started on your treatment plan and to connect with others like you here.
EMERGENCY STARTING PROTOCOL
Emergency Starting Protocol for suspected or likely Adhesive Arachnoiditis after spinal tap, spinal surgery, or epidural injection.
Arachnoiditis causes attachment of cauda equina nerve roots to the arachnoid-dural (meninges) covering of the spinal canal. Untreated, nerve roots become trapped, impaired, and destroyed within the inflammatory mass of adhesions that may result in paraparesis, autoimmune manifestations, spinal fluid flow obstruction, and bladder, bowel, and sex organ dysfunction.
This protocol is recommended anytime within 4 months of the inciting procedure.
PROTOCOLES D'URGENCE ET DE DÉMARRAGE POUR L'ARACHNOIDITE ADHÉSIVE LOMBO-SACREE (AA)
Three-Component Protocol
Here you will find two bulletins from The Tennant Foundation that are key to controlling the downward spiraling effect of untreated or under-treated Arachnoiditis. These protocols work by addressing the three important factors; neuro-inflammation; tissue regeneration; and pain control. Both bulletins are similar, but contain slightly different options.
It’s important to note that successful treatments must cross the important blood-brain barrier, or BBB short. The BBB works by protecting the spinal cord from potentially toxic substances within the blood while still delivering necessary molecules to maintain spinal cord activities, including lowering neuro-inflammation and regenerating tissue.
Bulletin 15 – 3 Component Treatment to Tackle AA – 2021
Bulletin 27- Starting Treatment Protocol
This bulletin also contains dietary measures and physical measures needed to control the side effects of Arachnoiditis.
Medical Treatment Plans
Learn about the different types of pain associated with Arachnoiditis and how to target your treatment plan.
With Arachnoiditis, many patients experience what we call "flare-ups" which occurs when symptoms of a disease, such as Arachnoiditis, that has been present for a time suddenly worsen. A flare is a transient worsening in severity of a disease or condition that eventually subsides or lessens. Learn what steps you need to take when this occurs.
You'll also learn about the importance of hormone level testing and other conditions and side effects that are common with Adhesive Arachnoiditis such as spinal fluid leaks, spinal fluid obstruction, and Tarlov cysts.
Alternative Treatments, Therapies & Medical Devices
Learn more about supplements and herbal remedies for Arachnoiditis, dietary measures such as low carb high protein, alternative therapy treatments, and implanted devices such as pain pumps and spinal cord stimulators, as well as what treatments to avoid such as epidural corticosteroid injections.
ZOOM SUPPORT MEETINGS
Join in on the Zoom support meetings hosted by ACMCRN and Friend in Arachnoiditis. There are several different meetings that touch on topics such as; tips and tricks for treating Arachnoiditis, emotional support, caregivers support, men’s only meetings, hobbies, and more! You can find dates and times of the meetings on our Calendar page.
STUFF THAT WORKS SURVEY
Set 20 minutes of your time aside to participate in our Arachnoiditis Research survey, StuffThatWorks. This study uses AI and crowdsourcing to collect data which helps patients figure out which treatments work best. StuffThatWorks develops a statistics engine that analyzes data and turns it into general and personalized insights. These insights can tell you things such as what treatment options work best for others with Arachnoiditis, what are the common complications and side effects, common symptoms, and much more. The more participants the better the insights.