In order to perform a myelogram doctors inject a radio-opaque dye into your spinal canal and then take X-ray pictures of the dye. Using a local anaesthetic the doctors will make a small hole directly into your spine so that they can inject the dye into the tiny space around the spinal cord and the nerves which come from it. The operation will be done on a table which tilts so that the doctors can move you up and down to make the dye run up and down your spine and around various different nerve junctions. The whole procedure lasts around half an hour.

This is an unpleasant, tricky and potentially hazardous procedure, and you will usually need to spend a day in hospital if you are having this test.

The side affects - which seem to affect quite a number of patients having this test - include headache, nausea and vomiting. In the past some patients are believed to have suffered long -term problems as a result of damage - arachnoiditis - done by an oil-based dye, and so today most doctors use a water-soluble contrasts material. Because of the dangers associated with this procedure it is usually only performed when a surgeon intends to operate and wants an accurate idea of the sort of damage that may exist in the spine.

Myelogram

Synonyms: Cervical Myelogram; Lumbar Myelogram; Thoracic Myelogram

Indications: Visualize spinal cord abnormalities; evaluate signs and/or symptoms of compression of the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord by a herniated disc, degenerative spur, traumatic injury, neoplasm, or other mass

Contraindications: Evidence of raised intracranial pressure, such as papilledema; bleeding abnormalities, such as elevated prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, decreased platelet count, or patients on anticoagulation

Patient Preparation: Informed consent is obtained from the patient. Patient is made NPO 4 hours before the procedure. Any bleeding abnormally is corrected beforehand. The patient with chart is sent on a stretcher to the myelography suite.

Aftercare: The patient is placed on bedrest with the head of the bed elevated at least 30° to 45° for 4 hours. Oral fluids are encouraged and the diet is as tolerated. Any nausea or vomiting which occurs should not be treated with phenothiazine antinauseants. Follow physician's postop orders.

Special Instructions: Any previous spine x-rays or any prior CT or MR studies of the spine should be made available to the radiologist. The patient should not be on phenothiazines at the time of the procedure

Further information can be found at:

Myelography Procrdure
Detailed info on the procedure.