What Is A Myelogram?
A myelogram is a diagnostic procedure which involves the use of x-rays and a contrast medium (a special dye) to examine the structures within the spinal canal.  Regular x-rays of the spine provide only a picture of the spinal bones.  By injecting contrast into the spinal canal, the spaces around the spinal cord and nerves can be seen, allowing the radiologist to view disc damage or any narrowing of the spinal canal.

During the procedure, a needle is placed between the bones of your lower back.  A special x-ray, called fluoroscopy, is used to visualize the tip of the needle so that it can be placed into the sac containing the spinal cord.  The dye is then injected through the needle into the sac.  This allows a good view of the structures within the spine when x-rays are taken.

Myelograms are used to diagnose and determine the exact location of suspected spinal disorders, such as spinal tumors, abscesses, degenerative arthritic changes and ruptured vertebral discs.

What Are The Risks Of A Myelogram?
As with any such procedure, a myelogram involves certain risks.  Common risks include headache, nausea, and vomiting.  Certain precautions will be taken to help minimize these occurrences.  In addition, there exists a remote risk of bleeding, infection, seizures, or allergic reaction to the contrast.

You will be asked to sign a consent form before having a myelogram.  This records the fact that your doctor has informed you about the nature of a myelogram, its purpose, and possible risks. The consent also documents your request to have the myelogram performed.

How To Prepare For The Myelogram
IMPORTANT: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment;  We recommend taking the day off of work.

The day before your myelogram, drink a lot of fluids.

On the day of your myelogram, you may have a light meal, but we ask that you do not eat or drink anything for 3 hours prior to your myelogram.

If you take Glucophage or metformin, do not take it the day of the myelogram or for 2 days following the procedure. Contrast dye will be used in this test.  If you have allergies to contrast or IVP,  please let us
know.

You may take your regular morning medication, however if you are on any special type of blood thinners, you must make arrangements with the physician that has you on that medication to discontinue the medication 5—7 days before the myelogram.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled procedure time.  You will be given a gown to wear.  To ensure your comfort during the procedure, you may want to empty your bladder before it begins.

During The Myelogram
You will be asked to lie on your stomach on a special x-ray table.  This table can be made to tilt as if you were lying on a seesaw.

After cleaning your lower back with an antiseptic solution, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area.  You may feel a stinging sensation for approximately one minute.

Once this area is numb, the spinal needle will be inserted.  This is generally no more painful than having one’s blood drawn.  Next, the contrast is inserted through the spinal needle. The table you are lying on will then be tilted to allow the contrast to fill the specific area requiring visualization.  A series of x-rays films will be taken at this time.

After adequate x-rays are taken, the needle will be removed.  Generally, the myelogram is followed by a CT scan.  When your x-rays are completed, you will be allowed to return home.

After The Myelogram
After your procedure, you will moved to a room to rest.  You will be given a fluid to drink.  The radiologist or a member of our staff will talk with you about how you are feeling.  After approximately 45 minutes to an hour, you will be asked to review and sign a post myelogram instruction sheet.  Someone will need to drive you home.

Keep your head elevated for six hours.  This position allows the contrast to be properly absorbed by your body.  When lying down, keep your head raised at least 45 degrees, as if lying in a lounge chair.  Do not allow your head to go below the level of your chest, as in bending over to pick up an object off the floor.

During the night after your myelogram, sleep with the head of your bed slightly elevated or use several pillows.

Drink plenty of fluids.  This allows the contrast to be eliminated faster through your kidneys. There is no restriction placed on the food you eat.

Post Myelogram Instructions
Drink plenty of fluids.  This helps your kidneys eliminate the contrast from your body faster.

No solid food for two hours, then resume usual diet.

Do not strain or over-exert yourself for several hours after your myelogram.  Walking and normal activities are acceptable as long as they are not overdone.

Keep your head elevated for six hours. This position slows the contrast to be properly absorbed by your body.  When lying down, keep you head raised at least 45 degrees, as if lying in a lounge chair.  Do not allow your head to go below the level of your chest, as in bending over to pick up an object off the floor.

During the night after your myelogram, sleep with the head of your bed slightly elevated or
use several pillows.

If headache, nausea, or vomiting should occur following a myelogram, it will likely mimic the flu in duration and severity.  If the headache is severe and is relieved by lying down flat, or does not go away after 24 hours, you may be experiencing a spinal headache.  This may be caused by the reaction you may have to the dye or the actual puncture made by the needle in the spine, or by not following discharge instructions.  In this case, continue to lie flat and contact us at 419.841.2166, Monday—Friday, 8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.  If it is after hours, please contact the physician that ordered the myelogram or go to the emergency room.