The dura mater is the tough, outermost layer of tissue surrounding the brain andspinal cord.
It is one of the three layers that make up themeninges.
This article will cover pachymeningitis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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In some cases, there are no symptoms at all.
Pachymeningitis symptoms can include:
Damage of the brain and spinal cord can occur with increased pressure from pachymeningitis.
The brain is surrounded by the skull, which is a fixed space.
ICP is a medical emergency.
Causes
What causes pachymeningitis is not always clear.
In some people, the true cause of pachymeningitis may never be found.
This is called idiopathic hypertrophic meningitis.
Diagnosis
The gold standard for diagnosing pachymeningitis is abiopsyof the dura mater.
In this procedure, a sample of tissue is surgically removed for analysis in a lab.
The biopsy test results can help determine the cause.
Pachymeningitis is typically treated with asteroid medication(such asprednisone) andimmunosuppressive therapy.
Patient-specific treatment varies based on the underlying condition.
It is possible to develop pachymeningitis after treatment.
Arelapsecan occur from one week to several years after treatment.
Anyone who has had pachymeningitis should be monitored by their healthcare provider after treatment for signs of recurrence.
This thickening can cause different symptoms based on its location.
Some people may have vision changes, headaches, or hearing loss.
Treatment is based on the underlying cause and generally involves medications and, in some cases, surgery.
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