Mini Myelogram
What is a mini-myelogram?
The word myelogram comes from two Greek words that mean picture (gram) and spinal cord (myelo). Quite simply, a myelogram is a picture of the spinal cord and the nerves that arise from it.
Ordinarily, the spinal cord is not visible using routine X-ray techniques. During a myelogram, the radiologist instills a small amount of dye into the spinal canal that highlights the spinal cord and its nerves. (No, the dye is not radioactive. It contains iodine, and can be seen using X-rays.)
Will it hurt much?
Mini-myelography is a new technique in which the dye is instilled using an ultra-thin needle (26 gauge) that is much thinner than the kind of needle used for a routine blood test. Actually, the needle is only slightly larger than an acupuncture needle. (Patients undergoing acupuncture may be injected with dozens of needles without the need for anesthesia.) Because the needle is so small, most patients feel no pain at all throughout the procedure. In routine cases, needle placement is accomplished in less than one minute.After the needle is in proper position a dye will be injected to outline the spinal cord and nerves. Xrays will be taken,followed by a cat scan of the spine. Patients may resume normal activities the following day.
Isn't it dangerous?
Side effects are possible during almost any medical procedure, but they are very rare indeed as a result of mini-myelography. Over the past 10 years, a new type of dye has been developed that is very similar to the natural fluids found throughout the human body. (The same type of dye is routinely injected into the arm for most patients undergoing CAT scans for other reasons.)
Xray from a myelogram. The "Dye" is seen as white outlining the spinal cord and nerves.
During mini-myelography at our facilities, all procedures are performed and interpreted by a board certified radiologist with fellowship training in neuroradiology, the specialty that deals with radiology of the brain and the spine. Your radiologist has safely performed hundreds of myelograms without any complications to date.
What should I do to prepare for the Myelogram
The day of the exam, and you may take your daily medications.
As a precaution, you must be accompanied home by an adult companion. Patients undergoing myelography will be observed for two hours following the procedure.
Ct Myelogram Injected dye is seen as white column within the spinal canal.
Why do I need this test?
Myelography is a time tested method to evaluate the spinal cord, the nerves that arise from it, and the bones, joints and discs that surround it. In certain instances, it may provide information that is not available with MRI or CAT scans. Your referring physician is aware of your needs and has determined that mini-myelography is necessary to plan optimal treatment.
It is beneficial to your treatment to bring copies of previous CAT scans or MRI's to be reviewed by the radiologist at the time of the procedure. The films will be returned to you when you leave.
Alert the radiologist if you are taking seizure medications, blood thinners, have bleeding disorders, allergies to any medications or have other serious medical conditions.
Try to relax! You're in the best hands.
Certificate of Added Qualification in Neuroradiology
Diplomate American Board of Radiology
Senior Member American Society of Neuroradiology