Where do you inject for a myelogram?

The doctor inserts a hollow needle through your skin into the spinal canal. The dye is injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots (Fig. 1). This dye is radiopaque, meaning it’s impenetrable by x-ray.

How do you do a CT myelogram?

During the first part of a CT myelogram, contrast is injected into your spinal canal under x-ray guidance. The contrast material serves to illuminate your spinal canal, cord and nerve roots during imaging. After the injection, x-rays will be taken using the fluoroscopy machine.

How painful is a CT myelogram?

Some patients report discomfort during the injection of the dye; others do not. The CT scan is not painful.

What type of injection is used for myelography?

Myelography uses a real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and an injection of contrast material to evaluate the spinal cord, nerve roots and spinal lining (meninges).

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.

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.

Do you get sedated during 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).

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.

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.

How long should you rest after 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. Inpatients will return to their rooms to recover.

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.

Can you lay on your side after 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.

What do you need to know about a CT myelogram?

What is a CT myelogram? A CT myelogram is an X-ray examination of your spinal cord and spinal nerves enhanced with a dye-like solution injected into the fluid in the spinal column.

How is a myelogram used to treat back pain?

A myelogram is a special spinal X-ray examination used to help determine the cause of pain, numbness and/or weakness in the back, arms or legs. During the test, a contrast material is injected into the spinal canal to provide an outline of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

How is CT cisternography different from CT myelography?

Like CT myelography, CT cisternography involves injecting X-ray contrast into the fluid-filled space that surrounds the spinal cord. With this technique, contrast is usually administered by means of a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap).

What are the risks of having a myelogram?

Because this is an invasive procedure that requires the injection of a contrast material through a needle in your spine, there are some risks, including: Spinal fluid infection (meningitis). A spinal headache. Bleeding around your spine. An allergic reaction to the contrast material.