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Both of the illustrations above depict waves. They differ only in extent and magnitude. Tsunamis are waves of great magnitude and are correspondingly more destructive. The same differences exist between arachnoiditis and adhesive arachnoiditis. Arachnoiditis is a not uncommon situation representing an inflammatory process involving the spinal membranes. The etiologies for this are varied but the most meaningful point to be made is that arachnoiditis per se rarely has any clinical consequences. Adhesive arachnoiditis is a definable and measureable pathological entity. It represents significant arachnoiditis of a greater extent and magnitude. It can be focal, as a result of local injury or insult, or can be more widespread (as when a toxic agent is introduced into the subarachnoid space). Under any circumstance it is not a good thing to have because if the body is not given the opportunity of acclimating and adjusting to the progressive insult it can produce of the very worst and most disabling conditions known to medicine. Even the patient with adhesive arachnoiditis who is without symptoms is not without significant risk. The risk is that the balance of nerve adjustment to insult can be upset by additional insult or injury converting the situation into a clinical disease process rather than just an interesting pathologic entity. An important part of understanding the medical meaning of adhesive arachnoiditis is to also understand how to prevent potentiating the problem and not release the sword that hangs over these patient's heads. |
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