What causes arachnoiditis?

What causes arachnoiditis?

The arachnoid can become inflamed (swollen) because of an irritation from one of the following sources:

• Direct injury to the spine
• Chemicals: Dye used in myelograms (diagnostic tests in which a dye called radiographic contrast media is injected into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves) have been blamed for some cases of arachnoiditis. The radiographic contrast media responsible for this is no longer used, however. Also, there is concern that the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections may cause arachnoiditis.
• Infection from bacteria or viruses: Infections such as viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine.
• Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Causes for this compression include chronic degenerative disc disease or advanced spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal column).
• Complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures: Similar causes include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures.