At what age does arachnoiditis occur?
Arachnoiditis predominantly impacts individuals aged 40 to 60, with risk factors like diabetes and conditions that suppress the immune system heightening the likelihood of developing this disorder. The onset of arachnoid inflammation can be triggered by surgical procedures, spinal cord injuries, infections, or the irritation stemming from chemical injections into the spine. This inflammatory process leads to harm inflicted on spinal nerves, resulting in scarring and aggregation. Additionally, inflammation can impede the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the vital fluid that envelops and safeguards both the brain and spinal cord. Arachnoiditis progresses through three primary stages. In the initial stage, inflammation targets the spinal nerves, accompanied by an excess of blood in the vessels. During this phase the groundwork for scar tissue formation takes shape. As the condition advances into the second stage, the process of scar tissue formation gains momentum. The third stage is characterized by nerve compression, leading to the atrophy of these roots. Simultaneously, the scarring tissues hinder the production of spinal fluid in that specific area.