Myelogram

Using image-guidance from fluoroscopy (X-rays that show motion inside your body in real-time) and CT (computed tomography), your doctor will place a long needle into the spinal canal and inject a small amount of contrast material. Imaging will then be taken of your spine to determine the possible cause of your pain, such as spinal stenosis or other abnormalities in the spinal column, spinal cord, and nerves.

When you arrive for your procedure, a clinical staff member will greet you and bring you into an exam room. Your doctor will greet you, explain the procedure, and get your consent. You may ask any questions you may have at this time.

You will lie on your stomach on the exam table for this procedure. Your doctor will clean the area with an antiseptic solution and cover it with a surgical drape. Your doctor will then give you a shot of local anesthesia to numb the area.

Once the area is numb, your doctor will use imaging to administer the injection of contrast material into the subarachnoid space. You will not feel pain as the needle is placed, but you may feel some discomfort as the contrast material is injected. This should only last a short moment and will most likely dissipate as soon as the injection is complete. You should tell your doctor if you feel any sharp pain.

You will then be taken to the CT scanner to get more pictures of your spine taken. You should rest for the remainder of the day, but you may resume your normal activities after 24 hours.

There are things you can do to make your experience more comfortable, and many of these will depend on your individual preferences. You might like to keep a list of questions or — as you’re doing now — educate yourself about the procedure.

Some other things to keep in mind in planning for this procedure include:

• You will need a driver to bring you and take you home.
• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners (such as Coumadin or warfarin) for a time before the procedure.

On the day of your procedure you should:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Avoid bringing jewelry or valuables.

The benefits of a myelogram could be:

• To determine the cause of pain or other symptoms by examining the spinal cord and nerves.

Some risks you should be aware of include:

• As with any procedure, there is a slight risk of infection.
• Rarely, this procedure can cause a temporary increase in pain.
• Rarely, there are reactions to the contrast material such as rash, nausea or vomiting, or hot flashes.
• There is a slight risk of nerve damage at the injection site.
• There is a slight risk of bleeding.
• There are risks associated with exposure to X-rays. You should discuss this with your physician.
• There is a slight risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast material.

Additional Information

A myelogram involves the injection of contrast dye into the spinal fluid to help produce detailed images of the spinal canal and its contents. The procedure helps in diagnosing conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and other issues affecting the spinal column. During the exam, you will be asked to lie on your stomach or side to allow for clear imaging of the subarachnoid space. After the procedure, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours to ensure proper recovery and accurate results.

Keep in mind that this information is general. Your radiologist is the best source of information about how these risks and benefits may apply to you.