What is Myelogram

Myelogram is an imaging test. This test looks at:

• Your spinal cord.
• The places where nerves attach to your spinal cord (nerve roots).

A dye (contrast material) is put into your spine before the x-ray. This provides a clearer image for your doctor to see.

You may need this test if you have a spinal cord problem that cannot be diagnosed with other imaging tests. You may also have this test to check your spine after surgery.

What happens before the procedure?

• Follow instructions from your doctor about what you cannot eat or drink. You may be asked to drink more fluids.
• Ask your doctor about changing or stopping your normal medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
• Plan to have someone take you home after the test.
• If you will be going home right after the test, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will lie face down on a table.
• Your doctor will find the best injection site on your spine. This is most often in the lower back.
• This area will be washed with soap.
• You will be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
• Your doctor will place a long needle into the space around your spinal cord (subarachnoid space).
• A sample of spinal fluid may be taken. This may be sent to the laboratory for testing.
• The dye will be injected into the space around your spinal cord.
• The exam table may be tilted. This helps the dye flow up or down your spine.
• The x-ray will take images of your spinal cord.
• A bandage (dressing) may be placed over where the dye was injected.

The procedure may vary among doctors and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level may be checked often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• Lie flat with your head raised (elevated). This lowers the risk of headache.
• It is your responsibility to get the results of your test. Ask your doctor or the department doing the test when your results will be ready.

Myelogram, Care After

These instructions give you information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your doctor may also give you more specific instructions. Call your doctor if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
• Rest as told by your doctor.
• Lie flat with your head slightly raised (elevated).
• Do not bend, lift, or do any hard activities for 24–48 hours or as told by your doctor.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Take care of and remove your bandage (dressing) as told by your doctor.
• Bathe or shower as told by your doctor.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have a headache that lasts longer than 24 hours.
• You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• You throw up (vomit).
• Your neck is stiff.
• Your legs feel numb.
• You cannot pee.
• You cannot poop (have a bowel movement).
• You have a rash.
• You are itchy or sneezing.

Get help right away if:

• You have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
• You have a seizure.
• You have trouble breathing.