ARACHNOIDITIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Arachnoiditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the arachnoid, which is one of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The arachnoid, along with the other two protective membranes called the dura mater and pia mater, forms a layer known as the meninges. Arachnoiditis can occur in any part of the body where the arachnoid is present, but it most commonly affects the lower spinal region.
The inflammation of the arachnoid can lead to the formation of scar tissue or adhesions, which can result in the clumping together of the nerve roots and the spinal cord. This can lead to a variety of symptoms including chronic pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and sensory abnormalities. In severe cases, it may also cause difficulty in walking or permanent disability.
There are several known causes of arachnoiditis, including infections, chemical irritants, trauma from spinal surgeries or diagnostic procedures, and certain medical conditions such as spinal stenosis or disc herniation. However, in some cases, the exact cause may remain unknown.
Although there is currently no cure for arachnoiditis, treatment options focus on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for the affected individuals. This may involve a combination of pain medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and psychological support. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered to releasethe adhesions or decompress the affected nerves or spinal cord.
-
Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, arachnitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARACHNOIDITIS
- zrachnoiditis
- srachnoiditis
- wrachnoiditis
- qrachnoiditis
- aeachnoiditis
- adachnoiditis
- afachnoiditis
- atachnoiditis
- a5achnoiditis
- a4achnoiditis
- arzchnoiditis
- arschnoiditis
- arwchnoiditis
- arqchnoiditis
- araxhnoiditis
- aravhnoiditis
- arafhnoiditis
- aradhnoiditis
- aracgnoiditis
- aracbnoiditis
Etymology of ARACHNOIDITIS
The word "Arachnoiditis" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms.
1. "Arachnoid" (ἀράχνη aráchne): This term refers to the arachnoid membrane, which is a thin, web-like membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The word "arachnoid" itself is derived from the Greek word "arachne", meaning "spider". This is because the arachnoid membrane was considered to have a spider-web-like appearance.
2. "-itis": This suffix is used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation. It is derived from the Greek word "itis" (ἴτις), which means "inflammation".
Therefore, "Arachnoiditis" refers to the inflammation of the arachnoid membrane.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
