A 36-year-old member asked:
what are the side effects of a myelogram?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Ramosanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
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.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
How long does it usually take to do a myelogram?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jonathan Hydeanswered
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.
6.1k 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 Guyeranswered
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.
6.1k 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 Dowlinganswered
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.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 40-year-old member asked:
What should I expect during my myelogram?
5 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Guyeranswered
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.
6.1k viewsAnswered >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 Hydeanswered
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.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Mar 7, 2018
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