Myelogram
Myelogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a contrast dye and X-rays or computed tomography (CT) to visualize the spinal cord, spinal canal, and nerve roots. It is a valuable method for detecting diseases and injuries of the spinal cord, including herniated discs, tumors, or spinal stenosis.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
A myelogram is performed by a radiologist or a neuroradiologist. The patient is positioned on a tilting x-ray table, and a local anesthetic is applied to the lumbar area. A needle is then inserted into the spinal canal, and a contrast dye is injected. The table is tilted to allow the dye to flow through the spinal canal, and X-rays or CT scans are taken to visualize the flow of the dye and identify any abnormalities.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Myelograms are used to diagnose a variety of spinal conditions. These include:
- Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Herniated disc: A condition in which the soft inner part of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer layer, potentially pressing on nerves and causing pain.
- Spinal tumors: Abnormal growths in the spinal canal or on the spinal cord.
- Spinal infections: Infections that can affect the spinal cord, intervertebral discs, or the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can cause loss of sensation and motor function.
Risks[edit | edit source]
While myelograms are generally safe procedures, they do carry some risks. These can include:
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding into the spinal canal
- Headaches caused by leakage of spinal fluid
- Nerve damage due to trauma from the needle
Alternatives[edit | edit source]
While myelograms provide valuable information, other imaging techniques may be used as alternatives or in conjunction with a myelogram. These include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: An imaging technique that uses a series of X-ray images to create cross-sectional images of the body.
Myelogram Resources | |
---|---|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD