CA
A 40-year-old member asked:
what should i expect during my myelogram?
5 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Guyer answered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 46 years experience
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.
6058 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Thomas Dowling answered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 40 years experience
Fairly routine : Some minor discomfort from the injection site and a small risk of a spinal headache, less than 10%. Make sure you do not have an iodine allergy and you will most likely have a ct to follow it.
5596 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Kevin Vaught answered
Neurosurgery 28 years experience
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.
4858 viewsAnswered Sep 9, 2018

Dr. Richard Ramos answered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Diagnostic injection: A physician will place a needle into the epidural space using x-ray guidance. The physician will numb up the skin before placing the needle. Then he will inject dye which will be used during the myelgram to see the anatomical landmarks and any abnormalities in your spinal canal.
5448 viewsAnswered Jun 25, 2018Merged

Dr. Kevin Vaught answered
Neurosurgery 28 years experience
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.
4860 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
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Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
How long does it usually take to do a myelogram?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jonathan Hyde answered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 29 years experience
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.
6134 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
What should I expect right after a myelogram?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Guyer answered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 46 years experience
Usually nothing: With modern techniques and the tiny needles, headaches are very rare. You really should not expect any side effects.
6058 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Peter Zimmerman commented
Pain Management 33 years experience
we use 27 gauge needles to access the intrathecal space. Post-dural puncture headaches are not seen post-myelography uinless much larger needles are used
Mar 10, 2012
CA
A 28-year-old member asked:
What are the known risks and benefits of having a myelogram?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Thomas Dowling answered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 40 years experience
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.
6350 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
What can I do to prepare for a myelogram?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Paul Slosar answered
Orthopedic Surgery 33 years experience
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.
6056 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
What can I wear for a myelogram procedure?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jonathan Hyde answered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 29 years experience
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.
6054 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 9, 2018
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