THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
MYELOGRAM

WHAT IS IT?
A myelogram is an x-ray examination of the spinal canal that surrounds the spinal cord. The spinal canal is filled with fluid and extends from the lumbar spine (lower back) to the top of the cervical spine (neck). By placing a special dye in the spinal canal, the bones of the spine (vertebrae), the discs between the vertebrae and the canal space are outlined and become visible on the x-ray pictures.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
The x-ray technologist will assist you to lie on your stomach on an x-ray table. Your legs and head will be supported with sponges and pillows. Your feet will be placed flat against a foot stand attached to the end of the table. An initial x-ray of your spine will be taken. The doctor will clean the injection site on your back with an antiseptic wash. A towel with a hole in the center will be placed across your back. The skin will then be numbed with a local anesthetic. Once the injections site is numb, the doctor will insert a special spinal needle through your skin and into the spinal canal. The doctor will guide the needle to the proper location by watching a fluoroscopic TV screen. Once the needle is in the spinal canal, a small amount of spinal fluid will be removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Next, the doctor will inject the x-ray dye into the spinal canal. The doctor will tilt the table at several different angles (head up and head down) to get the dye to flow inside of the spinal canal. The doctor will watch the dye flow to different areas in the spinal canal with fluoroscopy. Periodically, x-rays will be taken for further study after the exam.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The myelogram takes about 45 minutes to complete. If multiple levels of the spinal column are to be studies, it will take longer.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the doctor numbs the skin where the spinal needle will be placed. You will feel some pressure as the spinal needle is placed into the spinal canal. The lights of the room will be turned down during the procedure, this helps the doctor to see the fluoroscopic TV screen. You will feel the x-ray table being tilted and you may feel like your slipping, but you will be secured and you will be constantly monitored by the technologist and the doctor. You will be instructed to hold very still and to hold your breath during the x-ray exposures. The doctor will instruct you to turn partially on to your side several times during the exam. You will hear some noise from the x-ray tube and the films being loaded and unloaded from under the table.

After the myelogram is completed, you will need to lie flat for a period of time. This is helpful to minimize headache discomfort, a side effect of the myelogram procedure.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
A myelogram exam can detect slipped or injured discs, injuries to the nerves and nerve pathways that extend from the spinal cord, growths, and abnormal conditions in the vertebra.

HOW DO I GET READY?
You will be given instructions to help you prepare for the myelogram. You will not be permitted to eat or drink for several hours before the exam. You will be given a hospital gown to wear. The nurse will give you a sedative to help relax you before the procedure. You should go to the bathroom before going to the x-ray department so that you are as comfortable as possible during the exam.

Reviewed: May 2005