How is arachnoiditis diagnosed?
Arachnoiditis can be diagnosed in any level of the spine and skull, with proper MRI studies and competent evaluation. For optimal imaging of the subarachnoid space and nerve roots a T2 weighted, high resolution scan is necessary. Axial views (cross-sections) at the suspected spinal level are important to demonstrate clumping of the nerve roots, and/or their attachment to the dural wall. The nerve roots that are affected clinically should be present in the same location as the arachnoiditis seen in MRI for a confident diagnosis.
