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Myelogram

A myelogram is a special X-ray of the spinal cord and spinal column.

Preparation:  You will be asked not to eat after midnight the night before your examination.  You are encouraged to take clear liquids.  You will be asked about any medications you are taking as some medications should be stopped both before and for a short time after this exam.

Procedure:  When you arrive at the hospital you will go to the ambulatory care area where you will be prepared for your Myelogram.  You will be taken to the radiology department and plain films will be taken of your back. You will then be asked to lie on your stomach on the X-ray table.  Pillows will be placed under your stomach to arch your back.  This position makes it easier for the radiologist to access your spinal canal.  Your back will be scrubbed with Betadine and draped.  The radiologist will give you a local anesthetic and then place a thin needle into your spinal canal.  A special dye called contrast is then injected through the needle into the spinal canal, which allows the radiologist to see the spinal column and surrounding areas.  The radiologist and the technologist will then take films of these areas.  You will be asked to turn slightly from side to side.  When the filming is complete, you will be moved to a cart for transport to the CT scanner.  There you will have a CT scan of the same areas of your back.  This whole procedure usually takes about an hour.  When you are finished in radiology you will be taken to a hospital room where you will remain on bed rest with your head elevated for the next several hours.

The radiologist who did your myelogram will send a report to your physician, who will discuss the results with you.