Side Effects of Myelogram

Written by: Leigh A. Zaykoski • Edited by: Leigh A. Zaykoski
Updated Aug 9, 2009 • Related Guides: Medications

Myelogram is an imaging exam that uses contrast material to detect abnormalities with the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, and spinal canal. Learn about how the test is performed, how doctors use the results, and the side effects of myelogram.

Definition

Myelography is an imaging examination that involves x-rays, imaging contrast, and the use of fluoroscopy. Injecting contrast material into the subarachnoid space allows radiologists to better view the spinal cord, meninges, and nerve roots. Because contrast is used, a very detailed picture of the spinal column is generated. The picture itself is called a myelogram.

Why the Test is Ordered

Myelography is ordered when a doctor suspects that a patient has a problem with the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, or blood vessels that supply the spinal cord. These conditions can present with back pain, weakness, difficulty in making normal movements, or pain radiating from the back to the legs. The test can also be used to monitor conditions such as infection, tumors, spinal lessons, or inflammation of the membrane that covers the spinal cord.

Preparation

Little preparation is required for this test. Notify your doctor if you are taking any medications or if you are allergic to imaging contrast or barium. Your physician needs to know about your medications so that any medicine that could interfere with the test can be stopped a few days before your scheduled appointment. Blood thinners, antidepressants, and drugs used to treat diabetes must be stopped a few days before the test. Increasing your fluid intake at least one day before the test is important. If you think you may be pregnant, you must inform your doctor or the technologist performing the test.

Procedure

During the procedure, the patient is positioned facedown and a fluoroscope is used to visualize the spine. Once the doctor determines where to inject the contrast material, the injection site is cleaned and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. The needle is inserted and advanced until it is within the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal. Contrast material is injected into the space and the needle is removed. Cleansing of the puncture site is done again to reduce the chances of post-procedure infection.

Once the contrast material has been injected, the x-ray table is tilted so that the contrast flows within the subarachnoid space and surrounds all of the areas being examined. X-ray images are taken and the patient may be repositioned one or more times. The patient is allowed to rest comfortably while the images are being reviewed. The test takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and patients are usually observed for 1 to 2 hours after the test has been completed.

Side Effects

The side effects of myelogram can be mild or severe. Headache can occur when the patient stands or sits upright. Mild headaches may be relieved with rest and increased fluid intake, but more severe headaches may need to be treated by a physician. Another possible side effect is an adverse reaction to the contrast material. Symptoms of this type of reaction include rashes, sneezing, nausea, and itching. Other side effects include bleeding around the nerve roots or nerve injury due to the introduction of the needle into the spinal canal.

References

RadiologyInfo. "Myelography." Accessed 30 June 2009.

Don Tetley Nov 14, 2009 2:38 AM

Myodil Poisoning

I had a myelogram in 1975 and by 1988 the pain in my lower back and legs was unbearable. Also the legs had become very weak like I was permanently walking in a bog. After 2 upper spinal fusions and two lower level fusions as well as 2 laminectomy and one discectomy I have finally found a professor who has admitted my problems have been caused by the dye used in the myelogram. I am on 89mg oxy-contin along with other strong pain killing drugs, and recently was put on epillum to stop the irritation from the damaged nerve ends. It has cost me a farm and everything I owned when I eventuallt went bankrupt but my wife and family have stuck by me. I try to get involved in a lot of volunteer work (Lions Club) and musical performing for needy groups to get my mond off the pain and I also force myself to walk everyday with the aid of walking sticks but at 62 I wonder how long I will be able to do this. My suggestion to anybody is try to keep interested as if you give in to the pain you are finished. Good luck. This is just a brief version of what has happened to me as it has been going on since 1988 when the dye really started to affect me.

Mandi2009 Oct 2, 2009 2:55 PM

myelogram

I have myelogram done in 1997, , agter that , I start havin strong headache, I was sent to a doctor to have blood injection in my spine, and I still have some mild headache, but about 6-7 years ego, I start having some problems like stiffness, and some pressure in both areas were the needle were inserted,like my body are beyind separated in spinal area, and sharp pain move up to my sholders on both sides of my spine. Is this possible that symptoms can be related to pass treatment in 1997??? or it is something else???