How is Arachnoiditis diagnosed?

See how Arachnoiditis is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Arachnoiditis

MRIs are the safest way to detect Arachnoiditis. Many physicians request a myleogram for varification, but by puncturing the spinal cord like what happens during a myleogram procedure, it can make the disease progress.
Mylograms are actually one of the causes of Arachnoiditis /adhesive Arachnoiditis.

Posted May 9, 2019 by ASAP Arachnoiditis society for awareness and Prevention

Arachnoiditis as well as adhesive arachnoiditis are easily diagnosed with an MRI with contrast

Posted Apr 5, 2017 by Josh 2600

The best way is through an MRI with or without contrast -- preferably without. A myelogram can diagnose it, but myelograms can also cause or worsen it. Direct observation during surgery can also diagnose it. There are no other diagnostic tests.

Be aware that many medical professionals will deny or overlook its existence, especially if they may have caused it. Many just don't know what it is and will call it failed back surgery syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis, etc. Make sure your diagnostician is well-versed in Arachnoiditis, its signs and symptoms.

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Barbara 1000

Arachnoiditis is diagnosed by MRI and assessing symptoms, although not all radiologists or neurosurgeons, etc are very familiar with it, or they may call it something else like "neuro-inflammation", etc.

Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450

MRI is the best way to diagnose arschnoiditis. Preferably with contrast but not necessary with a trained radiologist. It is equally important to be diagnosed by a provider who find your symptoms match the MRI results

Posted May 18, 2019 by nancy 2500

MRI or Cat scan
Depending on ur medical team ..
neurosurgeon, orthopaedic or back specialist
I had a physiatrist to support me thru the process
Many dr’s have limited knowledge of the condition & symptoms

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Jcrandall72 2500

Arachnoiditis is rare, so it may require many tests and take some time to diagnose. There is no standard test for arachnoiditis, but imaging tests may be used. These include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT) scan

An electromyogram (EMG) may also be used to determine the severity of the damage. This test uses electrical impulses to check how well the nerves are functioning.

The Medical Professionals/Specialists that are essential for those diagnosed with Arachnoiditis to seek care once they have been diagnosed are:

Pain management specialists

Physiotherapists

Psychotherapists

Neurosurgeon

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Staplehurst17 4050

Arachnoiditis can be diagnosised with an mri or cat scan.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Deerut1963 2400

Adhesive arachnoiditis is diagnosed by MRI. Contrast is preferred, but AA can be seen without at times.

Posted Jan 8, 2020 by Rhonda 1600

YES Rhonda is correct it takes no contrast for MRI to diagnose, mine never use it.

Posted May 1, 2020 by KenNwv 500

MRI, (without contrast or gad) nerve conduction tests and potentials and neurological and physical examination

Posted Jul 9, 2020 by Derek 3000

Medical history as well as MRI with contrast

Posted Mar 20, 2021 by Anna 2300

With an MRI full spine with or without contrast.

Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Vincent 3420

It is diagnosed from a MRI or CT Scan.

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by Jeanne Champion 400

Typically, Arachnoiditis is seenon Contrast MRI using a Tesla 3 or higher.

However, research indicates that MRdoes not correlate with the disease symptoms and severity . In fact,research shows poor intra reader Correlation. In one study, 5 radiologists were challenged to read the same series of MRIs. For arachnoiditis, only the 2 most senior Radiologists had good correlation as to their diagnosis, with little mutual consensus by the other 3.

This leads us to believe Arachnoiditis is under reported and its rarity is a result. It is not "rare", but "rarely diagnosed."

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by ACMCRN 2200

MRI w/contrast preferably on a Tesla 3 or better

Posted Nov 16, 2021 by [email protected] 700

Dye injected into spine, MRI with contrast. I believe this to missed by most physicians as they are not properly trained to look at nerves. They are only looking for something they can surgically repair. I may be wrong, but they cover up surgical errors like lumbar punctures.

Posted Jan 7, 2022 by Machinetoolmkr 5550