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Warning-sign checks

Arachnoiditis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    These concerns may need assessment soon but are not always emergencies.

    Go to an emergency department for:

    • New loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Inability to urinate
    • New numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
    • Rapidly worsening weakness or inability to walk
    • Severe back pain with fever, confusion, or recent serious infection
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a clinician promptly for worsening pain accompanied by new weakness, increasing falls, new urinary difficulty, or a significant change in walking.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may involve primary care, pain medicine, neurology, rehabilitation, or spine specialists.

    The frequency depends on symptom stability, functional needs, and current treatments.

    At follow-up visits, discuss changes in pain, strength, sensation, walking, sleep, bladder or bowel function, and ability to complete daily tasks.

    Medication benefits and side effects should be reviewed.

    Rehabilitation goals may need adjustment as abilities or circumstances change.

The article also says

Repeat imaging is not always needed for stable symptoms.

It may be considered if there is new or progressive weakness, a major change in sensation, new bladder or bowel symptoms, or concern for another spinal condition.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Arachnoiditis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.