What is a fluoroscopy myelogram?
Myelography is an imaging examination that involves the introduction of a spinal needle into the spinal canal and the injection of contrast material in the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots (the subarachnoid space) using a real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy.
What is the process of a myelogram?
A myelogram may be done to find a tumor, an infection, problems with the spine such as a budging disc, and arthritis. You will be placed on your stomach, and your back cleaned in a sterile fashion. Then dye is placed into the fluid space with a thin needle, guided by X-ray.
What is the difference between a myelogram and an MRI?
Myelograms are usually accompanied by CT/CAT scans, which often have higher resolution than MRI. That means the images show more detail, much like a higher resolution digital camera produces sharper pictures. Consequently, more subtle signs of disease may be identified.
What is a cervical myelogram procedure?
A myelogram is a procedure where special non-ionic contrast material (dye) is placed in the spinal canal in order to view the spinal canal, spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots. A myelogram also views the spine’s vertebrae and disks as well as other parts of the spine’s anatomy.
Why would a doctor order 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 should you rest after a myelogram?
Discharge instructions Stay in bed for 24 hours after your myelogram. Do not lie flat. Instead, elevate the head of your bed 30 degrees or use 2 pillows.
How painful is a myelogram?
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 can go wrong with a myelogram?
A myelogram may increase your risk for a headache, neck or back pain, nausea, or vomiting. You may have bleeding or spinal fluid may leak from the injection site. The procedure may cause injury to a disc, nerves, or your spinal cord. The dye used during the procedure may cause and allergy, seizure, or brain problems.
Can I lay on my side after a myelogram?
What happens after a myelogram? You need to sit or lay down for several hours after the procedure to reduce your risk of developing a CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) leak. Most patients are asked to lie down for two hours after the procedure.
Why was my myelogram so painful?
Any back pain you already have may be made worse by the extra pressure of the injected fluid. The fluid is absorbed by the body over the few hours after the myelogram, and the extra pain decreases when this happens. Sometimes it can be hard to get the needle into the fluid sac and the myelogram cannot be done.
Why is a myelogram so painful?
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.
How bad is a myelogram?
Myelography is a very safe procedure with minimal possible risks. Nerve injury. Nerve injury occurring at the time of the lumbar puncture can result in shooting pain into the buttocks or down the leg and may persist as a dull ache or resolve over days to weeks.
What exactly does a myelogram show?
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.
What are the side effects of a myelogram?
Risk and side effects associated with myelogram. The fact is that risk and side effects are minimal with this procedure, and they occur in approximately 5 to 10 % of the patients. They consist of mild headaches, and negative reaction to the contrast material, which is usually manifested through nausea, itching, or even sneezing.
What and how do they do a mylogram?
Myelography is an imaging examination that involves the introduction of a spinal needle into the spinal canal and the injection of contrast material in the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots (the subarachnoid space) using a real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy.
Does it hurt to have a myelogram?
One of the more common lumbar myelogram side effects is the development of pain in the area. Once the anesthetic wears off, the incision wound will hurt as the body will be repairing the damage.