Our Services - Myelography
A myelogram is an x-ray study of the fluid-filled canal surrounding your spinal cord. Through a spinal tap (also known as a lumbar puncture) in your lower back (or neck), a small amount of contrast agent (dye) is injected into your spinal canal. This contrast agent is a water-soluble, iodine-based agent that allows images to be taken. A myelogram is used to diagnose disc problems, or structural problems of the spine or spinal cord. The procedure itself takes 30 minutes. The entire appointment takes approximately 3 hours.
• Arrive 30 minutes before procedure time.
• Take all usual medications except Coumadin and Plavix (stop 5 days prior to exam, after checking with your primary care physician).
• Bring all medications with you - or a complete list.
• Wear comfortable clothing (sweat pants preferred).
• Have an adult driver transport you to and from the exam, and a companion with you after the exam for 24 hours.
• Eat very little the morning of the exam.
• Diabetics should eat a normal meal and take prescribed medication.
• Prescription or referral from your physician
• Form of identification
• List of medications
• Insurance cards
• Previous MRI, CT or PET scans and reports performed outside our network
Upon arrival
• You will meet with a radiologic technologist who will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, allergies, and past surgical history with you.
• A brief assessment will be performed.
• You will meet the radiologist who will discuss the benefits and potential side effects that may be associated with this procedure. You may use this time to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have.
• Medication for comfort (local anesthetic) will be offered at this time.
During your Myelogram
• The area to be injected will be cleansed with an antiseptic, and draped with a sterile drape. This is a sterile procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
• A local anesthetic will be injected into the area to numb it.
• The radiologist inserts the needle into the spinal canal using fluoroscopy (x-ray) for visual guidance, and the dye is then injected. Once injected, the needle is removed.
• Your images are then taken.
• You will then undergo a CT scan, after the myelogram.
• A short recovery period follows to ensure a safe discharge home.
After your Myelogram
• Upon returning home, bed rest (lying at a 45 degree angle) is advised for 24 hours. This helps to prevent a post-myelogram headache.
• You may use one pillow.
• You may lie on your side, back, or stomach for comfort.
• You may get up to eat meals, and use the bathroom.
• You need to drink plenty of fluids. This helps to pass the dye from your body.
• The radiologist will review your scans and send the results to your physician. Urgent findings will be called or faxed to your doctor.
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