Myelogram
These
links give you
information about
the most common
imaging tests we do; what you need to do prior to the exam;
and what you can expect during the exam. Click
here for
print friendly copy
of these
preparations.
What is the
test?
A myelogram
examines the
spinal cord
and canal
for injury
or disease.
Using a
contrast
media, which
is injected
into the
spinal cord
with a
needle, a
radiologist
records
images with
a special
camera
called a
fluoroscope.
In some
cases, a
myelogram
may be
followed by
computerized
axial
tomography
(CAT scan).
How do I
prepare?
Please talk
to your
doctor prior
to the
myelogram.
It is
important
that your
doctor and
radiologist
are aware of
all of your
medications,
because
there are
several
prescriptions
and
over-the-counter
medications
that should
not be taken
before
having a
myelogram.
Also, please
notify your
doctor if
you are
pregnant.
Unless you
are advised
otherwise,
you may take
your usual
morning
medications
on the day
of the exam.
Do not eat
solid food
after
midnight
before your
myelogram.
On the
morning of
the
procedure,
until two
hours before
the exam,
you may
drink clear
liquids,
such as
water, clear
juices,
broth, soft
drinks, or
tea, but not
coffee. Do
not drink or
eat anything
2 hours
prior to
your
procedure.
Please make
arrangements
to have
someone
drive you
home
afterwards.
What can I
expect
during the
procedure?
Plan to
arrive at
outpatient
registration
30 minutes
before your
appointment.
A nurse will
take your
medical
history and
assist you
into a
hospital
gown. During
the
myelogram,
you will be
asked to lie
on an x-ray
table, on
your
stomach. The
radiologist
will inject
a local
anesthetic
into your
lower back,
which may
cause a
stinging
sensation.
After the
area is
numb, the
contrast
media will
be injected
into your
spinal canal
through
another
needle. This
may cause a
feeling of
pressure. At
this point,
x-ray films
are taken;
you may be
moved into
different
positions on
the table to
get a
variety of
views. This
test takes
approximately
60 minutes.
After the
test?
You'll be
taken to a
patient
observation
area where
you can rest
quietly in
bed with
your head
elevated.
Periodically,
a nurse will
take your
temperature,
blood
pressure and
pulse, and
offer you
fluids to
drink. Under
normal
circumstances,
you should
be able to
leave the
medical
center five
or six hours
after the
myelogram.
How and when
will I get
my test
results?
Typically,
within 48
hours a
written
report of
your test
results will
be sent to
your
referring
physician,
who will
review them
with you.
Additional
time (3 to 5
days) may be
required if
we are
comparing
these test
results to
previous
findings
from another
hospital or
health-care
provider.
Where is
this test
performed?
Myelograms
are
performed at
Cayuga
Medical
Center at
101 Dates
Drive, off
NYS Route 96
in Ithaca.
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Click
here for print friendly
preparation
directions.
