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Exam time: 30-60 minutes
Most exams require patient to remain at CAI 30 minutes post-procedure.
A myelogram is a diagnostic x-ray examination of the spinal canal,
nerve roots, and spinal cord by injection of contrast solution into
the spinal canal.
Most patients experience minor discomfort during the test. The patient
will lie on a motorized x-ray table that can be tilted up or down.
The radiologist will insert a needle into the spinal canal in the
lower back and check the needle position with a fluoroscope connected
to a television monitor. Once the needle is in place, the radiologist
will inject the contrast solution into the spinal canal. The needle
will be removed and x-rays will be taken. After the myelogram, a
CT scan will be done to gather detailed cross-sectional images of
the spine. The radiologist will use these CT images and x-rays to
make the diagnosis.
Preparation/Restrictions:
- Stop blood thinners, antidepressants, and tricyclics 2-5 days
prior to exam
- Drink plenty of fluids (water and juices) starting 24 hours before
exam. You may eat a light meal 4 hours before
- Patient should bring previous films
- Patients will need a driver. Patients without a drive will rescheduled
Restrictions
- Patients must stay horizontal--with head elevated 30 degrees--for
24 hours following the procedure in order to prevent severe headaches;
don't remain erect for more than ten minutes at a time
- Normal diet with plenty of fluids, preferably with caffeine
To relieve any pressure on the injection site at the base of the
spine, myelography patients must stay horizontal for 24 hours following
the procedure in order to prevent severe headaches. The patient should
arrange to lie down in the back seat while someone drives him/her
home directly after the exam. Upon arriving home, he/she should lie
down on his/her back or side with head elevated 30 degrees (two pillows'
worth) until bedtime. The patient may lie flat at bedtime, but the
following morning should return to the head-elevated position until
24 hours have elapsed. (If a headache does occur, he/she will need
to stay horizontal for an additional 24 hours.) Patients may walk
to the bathroom and sit up to eat, but should not remain erect for
more than ten minutes at a time. The patient may eat normally after
the myelogram, and should be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help
clear the contrast solution from his/her system.
Side Effects:
Headache.
| Frequently
Asked Questions: |
Q: Are there any special
preparations/restrictions before a myelogram?
A: Patients should drink plenty of fluids (water and
juices) starting 24 hours before the exam, and take his/her prescribed
medications as usual, except those that the radiologist directs
him/her to avoid temporarily.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Headache may occur after procedure. Patients should lie down
after the procedure and drink plenty of fluids.
Q: What are the restrictions following the procedure?
A: To relieve any pressure on the injection site at the base of
the spine, myelography patients must stay horizontal for 24 hours.
The patient should lie down in the car when leaving CAI and,
upon arriving home, lie with head elevated 30 degrees (two
pillows' worth) until bedtime. Patients may lie flat at bedtime,
but the following morning should return to the head-elevated
position until 24 hours have elapsed. (If a headache does occur,
the patient will need to stay horizontal for an additional 24
hours.) He/she may walk to the bathroom and sit up to eat, but
should not remain erect for more than ten minutes at a time.
Patients may eat normally after the myelogram, and should be
sure to drink plenty of fluids to help clear the contrast solution
from his/her system. |
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