§ Baroness Cumberlegeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to raise awareness amongst the public and health professionals with regard to the condition known as arachnoiditis. [HL3859]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Government are taking no specific action to raise awareness of arachnoiditis amongst the public and health professionals. Clinicians who are responsible for instigating or carrying out investigative procedures, notably myelograms, which carry the risk of arachnoiditis, are made aware of this through product literature and continuing professional education. They carry professional responsibility for discussing the risks with patients.
§ Baroness Cumberlegeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What treatment is available for arachnoiditis; and what research is being undertaken into the causes and possible cures of the condition. [HL3860]
§ Baroness HaymanArachnoiditis is an extremely painful, if uncommon, condition for which there is unfortunately no cure. It is for clinicians to decide in individual cases which treatment will best alleviate the symptoms of this condition and help to control the pain. There are medical services available in all parts of the country including, for example, the services of consultant neurologists, and general practitioners may refer patients to such services.
The Department of Health has not directly commissioned or evaluated research into arachnoiditis. We are unaware of any research being conducted using NHS research and development funding around this condition.