| EDC |
END
DEPO NOW CAMPAIGN
|
Arachnoiditis is a debilitating
condition characterized by severe stinging and burning pain along with
other neurological problems. It is caused by an inflammation of the
arachnoid lining - one of the 3 linings that surround the spinal cord
and brain. This inflammation causes constant irritation, scarring, and
binding of nerve roots and blood vessels.
ESI's: Similarly, there is growing
evidence that the neurotoxic suspensions and preservatives* found in
Epidural Steroid Injections can also cause Arachnoiditis, especially
if the steroid's toxic compounds are accidentally injected into the
spinal cord or nerve roots during the procedure. (Our recent survey
indicates that finding a doctor that would promptly diagnose this error
so that the appropriate countermeasures can be swiftly ordered is extremely
difficult.)
3. Infection Induced
Arachnoiditis can also be caused by certain pathogens that infect the
spinal cord such as meningitis and syphilis.
Treatment
There is no cure for Arachnoiditis. Treatment options are geared toward
pain relief and are similar to treatments for other chronic pain conditions.
Some examples include the following:
1) Pain medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids,
anti-spasm drugs, anti-convulsants (to help with burning pain), and
in some cases powerful narcotic pain relievers. Some of these medications
may even be administered through and intrathecal spinal pump which,
when implanted inside the body and under the skin, can administer pain
medication directly into the spinal cord**.
2) Physical therapy such as hydrotherapy,
massage and hot/cold therapy.
3) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
(TENS) - A treatment in which an electrical current is administered
to specific nerves through an electrode patch placed on the skin. The
mild electrical current generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness,
increase blood flow, improve mobility, and hopefully relieve pain.
4) Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)** - A device
that is also implanted inside the body that transmits an electrical
signal charge directly over the spinal cord for pain relief
Recommendations for Spinal Cord Research
Strategies
Basic Research
Strategies that promote neuronal growth
and protection following injury to the nervous system, particularly
the spinal cord.
Strategies that enhance restoration of function after injury to the
central nervous system
Strategies that encourage repair, neural plasticity and reorganization
of neural cells.
Examination of role of ion channels in nerve conduction and restoration
of conduction (sodium, potassium and calcium).
Development of transplantation approaches to enhance conduction through
damaged levels of spinal cord, e.g. transplantation of myelin - forming
cells, growth-factor secreting cells, and neural progenitors.
Secondary Neuronal Damage
Delineation of events following trauma
to the spinal cord and the underlying mechanisms causing progressive
damage.
Evaluation of drugs, cell-based therapies, and other interventions that
prevent or minimize secondary damage
Secondary Medical Complications
Development of improved treatment of medical
complications such as: urinary tract infections, pressure sores, respiratory
problems, bowel management, cardiovascular problems, sexual issues,
spasticity, obesity, adjustment and depression.
Examination of the biologic and physiologic mechanisms underlying the
etiology of the complications and interventions to improve function.
Evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of evidenced-based clinical
practice guidelines.
Neuropathic Pain
Examination of the mechanisms underlying
neuropathic pain.
Development of new therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain.
Evaluation of the efficacy of pharmacological agents and other interventions
that alleviate, reduce or eliminate neuropathic pain.
Technology
Assessment of rehabilitation engineering
and other technologies to improve health and function - robotics, voice
activated technology, wheelchair systems, assistive devices, environmental
controls and community mobility systems.
Long Term & Aging
Development of measures of quality of life
to understand impact of interventions on long-term outcomes.
Elucidation of metabolic changes associated with aging and spinal cord
injury.
Identification and treatment of psychological, sexual and rehabilitation
problems.
French
Bosnian