Question 1

what is getting a myelogram like?

Accepted Answer

No worries : A myelogram is a common diagnostic study that most patients tolerate well.  The physician will place you on a  flouroscopy table, prep your lower back, inject a local anesthetic,  place a needle in your back, inject dye, remove the needle, place a bandaid and summon the radiology tech to take x-rays.   Then you will have a ct.  You will be observed for several hours and be discharged.

Question 2

where do i go to get a myelogram done?

Accepted Answer

Radiology: Myelograms are done in the radiology department of a hospital but must be ordered by a doctor.

Question 3

what should i expect during my myelogram?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully easy: You may be sedated, the radioligist will numb your back up and insert a tiny needle to inject a contrast agent.  He will take many xrays and then usually you will be taken to the ct room for a scan which will give high definition picutres of your spinal anatomy.

Question 4

what can i do to prepare for a myelogram?

Accepted Answer

Drink fluids: Maybe ask the doctor if he could get the information with a different less invasive test such as an mri?    If you have to get the myelogram ask for the most experienced radiologist.

Question 5

what can i wear for a myelogram procedure?

Accepted Answer

Clothes: When an interventional radiology procedure, such as a myelogram, is performed, you will most likely be given a hospital gown to change into for the procedure. Afterwards, you should be able to wear regular clothing.

Question 6

what should i expect right after a myelogram?

Accepted Answer

Usually nothing: With modern techniques and the tiny needles, headaches are very rare. You really should not expect any side effects.

Question 7

how long does it usually take to do a myelogram?

Accepted Answer

About 2 hours: Most myelograms are performed in a radiology facility by a radiologist trained in interventional procedures. The procedure may involve a tilting radiology table, in order to investigate the flow of the injected dye.  This procedure often includes a post-myelogram ct scan, allowing the radiologist to obtain information similar to that of a MRI scan.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: myelogram?

Accepted Answer

Archaic procedure: Cannot recall the last time i ordered this test, as MRI and cat scans have essentially replaced it.  The myelogram involved injection of a contrast dye into the spinal canal to look for disc ruptures or spinal tumors.  It was a rather nasty and uncomfortable test and was only modestly accurate.  Thank goodness we have evolved.

Question 9

what are the known risks and benefits of having a myelogram?

Accepted Answer

Spine imaging: Myleogram is usually done in conjunction with a ct scan when a MRI may not be indicated such as with a pacemaker, certain metal implanst like aneurysm clips or with very obese patients or even when prior spinal implants make it hard to obtain a clear MRI image.  It is an invasive procedure with a contrast material that may cause an allergic reaction, a spinal headache.

Question 10

what are the side effects of a myelogram?

Accepted Answer

Risks: Any procedure has risk of infection, reaction to injectate, bleeding, nerve injury or paralysis.  However, those risk are rare for this procedure.  The most common side effect would be a spinal headache which is treatable and reversible if it occurs at all.

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