Myelogram (Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar) is a procedure done to show if there are any abnormalities in the spine, the spinal cord (the nerves in the spine) or the surrounding structures. It involves placing a needle into the spinal canal and injecting an iodine containing contrast agent into the sac that contains the spinal cord and nerve roots, and then taking images. Most of the time, a CT is done after the contrast is injected.
Myelogram procedure:
A Myelogram uses X-rays and a special dye called contrast material to visualize the spaces between the bones in your spinal column. A myelogram may be done to find a tumor, an infection, problems with the spine such as a budging disc, and arthritis. In many cases, the patient is not eligible for an MRI or this exam is used in addition to a MRI for more information.
You will be placed on your stomach, and your back cleaned in a sterile fashion. Then dye is placed into the fluid space with a thin needle, guided by X-ray. The dye flows through the space so the nerve roots and spinal cord can be seen more clearly. Pictures are taken before and after the contrast is injected. CT scans are often done after the X-rays, while the dye is still in your body.
Before Arriving for Your Procedure
There are multiple medications that you will be asked to stop taking prior to your Myelogram procedure. However, if you have any questions or concerns regarding a medication, please use call us at (406) 731-8400.
Please discuss with your physician before making any changes to your medication regimen.
If you have ever been told or know you have a contrast allergy, please tell you primary care physician so that you can start premedication before your procedure. Your primary doctor will order this medication for you.
Please bring a list of your current medications with you on the day of your procedure.
Since you will be unable to drive yourself home, please arrange to have someone drive you home.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please wear comfortable clothing. Acceptable items would include:
- Shorts (no zipper)
- Sweatpants (no zipper)
- Sports bras without zippers or metal adjusters
No eating or drinking after midnight; with the exception of necessary medications.
Arriving:
You will need to check into the Ambulatory Care Unit. This is located on the Second floor of the South Tower. The nurses will help you get prepared for the exam and verify your medical history and information. Please keep in mind that this exam is scheduled in a surgery style; the wait time may vary, depending on the procedures scheduled. Once you are ready for the exam, as soon as a doctor becomes available, you will be transported to Radiology (1st floor of the South Tower). Then you will meet the Interventional Radiologist and go over the exam and all medical consents.
During Your Procedure:
You will be asked to lie on your stomach or side on an examination table.
A numbing medicine will be injected into the skin of your back.
A second needle will be used to inject the X-ray dye into your spinal column.
The examination table will be tilted in different ways to help distribute the dye in your spine.
X-rays will then be taken of your back.
A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance image (MRI) or both may be taken after your myelogram. Due to scheduling issues, these scans do not always happen immediately after a myelogram. You may have to wait anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours between scans.
After Your Procedure:
After the exam, you will be required to remain at the hospital for 1-6 hours. This time is doctor and patient dependent.
You will be encouraged to drink lots of fluids.
This exam is not a treatment, it will not lessen your back pain. It will, however, help your physicians to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.
The results of your myelogram will be sent to your physician who will discuss the results with you.