What is the prevalence of Arachnoiditis?

How many people does Arachnoiditis affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?


Arachnoiditis is a rare and debilitating condition characterized by inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. It can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and even paralysis. Unfortunately, due to its rarity and the lack of comprehensive data, it is challenging to determine the exact prevalence of arachnoiditis.


However, studies suggest that arachnoiditis is relatively uncommon. It is estimated to affect less than 1% of the general population. The condition is often associated with certain risk factors such as spinal surgeries, spinal infections, trauma, or the use of certain medications. While it can occur at any age, it is more commonly diagnosed in individuals between 40 and 60 years old.


Arachnoiditis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. The symptoms can be debilitating and may require long-term management. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing the symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease.


If you suspect you may have arachnoiditis or are experiencing symptoms related to spinal inflammation, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.


by Diseasemaps

It is a huge epidemic that is very under diagnosis. People are being wrongly harmed by the medical profession.

5/18/19 by nancy 2500

Last I looked 2% of the nation. It’s so under diagnosed my guess iOS it’s a much higher number

12/10/19 by Josh 2600

I don’t know that it is well known what the prevalence is of this condition More research is required to Answer this

1/5/20 by Jcrandall72 2500

As more and more epidural steroid injections are given and spinal surgeries performed, the rate of adhesive arachnoiditis will climb significantly. It is no longer a rare disease as it once was.

1/8/20 by Rhonda 1600

The prevalence is unknown. About 25,000 cases of arachnoiditis occur each year, mostly in North and South America, Asia and Europe, where spinal operations are more prevalent.

1/11/20 by Staplehurst17 4050

Whilst it’s still seen as a ‘rare’ condition by the medical profession the truth of the matter is there has never been Longitudinal studies on the major cause being chemically induced today is one of the most common causes of nerve damage of the lower lumber area of the subarachnoid space

7/9/20 by Derek 3000

That’s unknown because of doctors misdiagnosing this in almost all cases.

3/20/21 by Anna 2300

25000 people mainly in the us and Europe counted. But there are a lot of more people who don't know they have the disease.

7/22/21 by Vincent 3420

I am not sure. the Facebook groups are full of young women injured during childbirth, possible lumbar epidural puncture. The following link should back this up. https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/arachnoiditis-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=In%20regards%20to%20who%20is%20affected%2C%20females%20are,kind%20of%20epidural%20anesthesia%2Fspinal%20tap%20while%20in%20childbirth.

1/7/22 by Machinetoolmkr 5550

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