What is a myelogram?
A myelogram uses X-rays and a special dye to make pictures of bones and nerves of the spine (spinal canal). The spinal canal holds the spinal cord, the spinal nerve roots, and the fluid-filled space between the bones in your spine.
Why is a myelogram done?
A myelogram is done to check for:
- The cause of arm or leg numbness, weakness, or pain.
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
- A tumor or infection causing problems with the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- A spinal disc that has ruptured (herniated disc).
- Inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord.
- Problems with the blood vessels to the spine.
This test may help find the cause of pain that can't be found by other tests, such as an MRI or a CT scan.
How is a myelogram done?
The test is done by a doctor in a radiology center or in the radiology department of a hospital.
You will need to take off jewelry that might be in the way of the X-ray picture. You may need to take off all or most of your clothes above the waist. (You may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it doesn't get in the way of the test.) You will be given a gown to wear during the test.
During the test
You will have a spinal tap to put the dye into your spinal canal. You will lie on your stomach or side on an X-ray table. The doctor cleans an area on your lower back. A numbing medicine is put into your skin.
After the area is numb, a thin needle is put into the spinal canal. A stream of X-rays (fluoroscopy) is used to help the doctor place the needle in the right area. A sample of spinal canal fluid may be taken before the dye is put in the canal.
After the dye is put in, you will lie still while the X-ray pictures are taken.
After the pictures are taken, a small bandage is put on your back where the needle was put in. You will be told what to do after the test.
How do you prepare for a myelogram?
Your doctor will tell you if you need to change how much you eat and drink before the myelogram. You may be asked to increase the amount of water you drink before the test. Follow the instructions your doctor gives you about eating and drinking.
If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your test. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
What do the results of a myelogram mean?
Your doctor will talk to you about the results of your test.
Normal: | The dye flows evenly through the spinal canal. |
|---|---|
The spinal cord is normal in size, position, and shape. The nerves leaving the spinal cord are normal. | |
No narrowing or blockage of the spinal canal is seen. | |
Abnormal: | The flow of dye is blocked or diverted. This may be due to a ruptured herniated disc, spinal stenosis, a nerve injury, an abscess, or a tumor. |
| Inflammation of the membrane (arachnoid membrane) that covers the spinal cord is seen. | |
| One or more nerves leaving the spinal cord are pinched. |
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