Myelography
Myelography is a type of radiographic examination that uses a contrast medium to detect pathology of the spinal cord, including the location of a spinal cord injury, cysts, and tumors. This procedure is typically performed by a radiologist and uses X-ray imaging or computed tomography (CT) scanning.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure involves the injection of a contrast medium into the subarachnoid space in the spine. This is usually done in the lower back where the cauda equina of the spinal cord is located. The patient is then tilted in various directions to distribute the contrast medium and improve the images. The procedure is usually followed by a CT scan to further enhance the imaging.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Myelography is used to find diseases that affect the spinal cord and its surrounding structures. It can detect herniated disc, spinal stenosis, inflammation, infection, tumors, or cysts. It can also be used to assess the need for spinal surgery or to plan for a surgical procedure.
Risks[edit | edit source]
Like any medical procedure, myelography carries some risks. These include allergic reaction to the contrast medium, infection, bleeding, and headache. In rare cases, it can cause seizures or stroke.
History[edit | edit source]
Myelography was first introduced in the 1920s. It was the primary method of imaging the spinal cord until the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1980s.
See also[edit | edit source]
Myelography Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!
Translate to: East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski
WikiMD is the world's largest, free medical and wellness encyclopedia edited only by professionals. Advertise!
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
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: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD