Myelography is relatively safe and painless. When a contrast material is injected into the subarachnoid space surrounding the nerve roots and spinal cord, it allows the radiologist to view outlines of the different areas of the spine that usually are not visible or distinguishable on x-rays.
Should I have a myelogram?
Why might I need a myelogram? A myelogram may be done to assess the spinal cord, subarachnoid space, or other structures for changes or abnormalities. It may be used when another type of exam, such as a standard X-ray, does not give clear answers about the cause of back or spine problems.
How long does it take to recover from a myelogram?
The recovery period is about 2 hours. Plan to be in the Department of Radiology for 4-6 hours. Arrange to have someone stay with you for 24 hours following the procedure.
How bad does a myelogram hurt?
How does it feel? You will feel a quick sting from a small needle that has medicine to numb the skin on your back. You will also feel some pressure as the long, thin spinal needle is put into your spinal canal. You may feel a quick, sharp pain down your buttock or leg when the needle is moved in your spine.
What are the side effects of a myelogram?
What happens after a myelogram?
- Numbness and tingling of the legs.
- Blood or other drainage from the injection site.
- Pain at or near the injection site.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Inability to urinate.
- Fever.
- Stiff neck.
- Leg numbness.
Is a myelogram the same as a spinal tap?
A myelogram is performed first in a separate procedure. This is similar to a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, where the fluid space around the spinal cord (within the spinal canal) is accessed with local anesthesia and contrast (usually 12cc non-ionic iodinated contrast) is administered.
Are you sedated for a myelogram?
A myelogram is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. You will be asked to remove clothing and jewelry that may interfere with the test. You will lie down on a padded table and will receive sedation (medication to make you drowsy and relaxed).
What can a myelogram detect?
A myelogram is able to show your spinal cord, spinal nerves, nerve roots, and bones in the spine by injecting contrast into your spinal fluid. As a result, it will also reveal whether anything is pressing against your spinal cord or nerves.
Can you urinate before CT scan?
Your doctor may instruct you to not eat or drink anything several hours beforehand. In order to distend your urinary bladder, you may be asked to drink water prior to the exam and not to urinate until your scan is complete. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.
Can a myelogram cause paralysis?
There is a small risk of having an allergic reaction to the dye. You will be given medicine for a reaction. In rare cases, inflammation of the spinal cord, weakness, numbness, paralysis, or loss of control of your bowel or bladder may develop. Also in rare cases, the dye may cause blockage of the spinal canal.
What’s the difference between a myelogram and a CT scan?
A myelogram consists of injecting a radiographically opaque dye (dye that is picked up by x-ray) into the sac around the nerve roots, which in turn lights up the nerve roots. The CT scan follows and shows how the bone is affecting the nerve roots.
What are the symptoms of arachnoiditis?
What are the symptoms of arachnoiditis?
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Sensations that may feel like insects crawling on the skin or water trickling down the leg.
- Severe shooting pain that can be similar to an electric shock sensation.
- Muscle cramps, spasms and uncontrollable twitching.
Is laminectomy the same as decompression?
Cervical laminectomy
Laminectomy is surgery that creates space by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal. Also known as decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
How long does your back hurt after a myelogram?
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. You may feel soreness at the needle insertion site for 2-3 days.
What is the prep for a myelogram?
Myelography is an effective imaging technique used to take high quality pictures of your spinal canal and nerve roots. Preparation: Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your procedure. We want you to be well hydrated so you may drink clear fluids only up to the morning of your myelogram.
What is the most common injection site for a myelogram?
Myelography involves radiographs and/or CT of the spine following opacification of the subarachnoid space by intrathecal injection of iodinated contrast, most commonly injected at the lumbar level.
What is the most common clinical indication for a myelogram?
As a result, one of the most common indications for CT myelography is to help evaluate the spinal canal and neural foramina in degenerative disease when the patient cannot undergo MRI because of an MRI-incompatible implanted device or when MR images would be nondiagnostic because of extensive artifact (1).
How long do you have to lay down after a spinal tap?
The blood is put through a need into your spinal canal in the same way that the LP was done. You will need to lie in bed for 1 to 2 hours after this procedure.
Do you have to be NPO for a myelogram?
Basic Instructions
No solid foods two hours before exam. Drink extra fluids (no caffeine) up to 2 hours before exam. 2 hours before exam – NPO (If medications needed, take only with swallow of water.) Please arrive 45 minutes before scheduled myelogram appointment.
What is a CT myelogram used to diagnose?
What is a CT Myelogram? A CT myelogram is a two-part procedure performed to detect abnormalities including a tumor, herniated disc, arthritis, spinal narrowing and/or nerve impingement of the spinal canal.
Can I drive after a myelogram?
You may continue to take your normal medications including pain medication as long as it doesn’t contain aspirin. You will need to arrange for a driver to take you home, because you are not allowed to drive after the procedure.
How long after a myelogram can you get a headache?
It’s normal to have a mild headache for up to 24 hours after the test. Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Follow the instructions on the bottle. Do not lie flat or let your head be lower than the rest of your body for the first 24 hours after the test.
What sedation is used for Myelogram?
There is usually no anesthesia with this procedure. Your doctor may give you a mild sedative. You will have local anesthetic to reduce the pain of the needle.