Magnetic resonance myelography (MR myelography or MRI myelography) is
a noninvasive medical imaging technique that can provide anatomic information about the subarachnoid space
.
What does a myelogram show that an MRI doesn t?
Compared to an MRI, a myelogram, and the post myelogram CT scan, is able to show the bony details in a better way, but is
less capable of showing the soft tissue details in your spine
.
Is a myelogram test painful?
You
may experience discomfort
during the myelogram. The radiologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.
Do you get sedated during a myelogram?
A myelogram is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. You will be asked to remove clothing and jewelry that may interfere with the test. You will lie down on a padded table and
will receive sedation
(medication to make you drowsy and relaxed).
Does a myelogram show more than an MRI?
The typical meningocele is easily identified in any imaging modality, but an older study [15] indicates that
myelography is superior to MRI in delineating the ventral and dorsal rootlets
with an accuracy of 85% for CT myelography compared to 58% for MRI in relation to intraoperative findings.
What can go wrong with a myelogram?
A myelogram may increase your risk for a
headache, neck or back pain, nausea, or vomiting
. You may have bleeding or spinal fluid may leak from the injection site. The procedure may cause injury to a disc, nerves, or your spinal cord. The dye used during the procedure may cause and allergy, seizure, or brain problems.
How long should you rest after a myelogram?
Stay in bed for
24 hours
after your myelogram. Do not lie flat.
Why was my myelogram so painful?
Any back pain you already have may be made worse by the extra pressure of the injected fluid. The fluid is absorbed by the body over the few hours after the myelogram, and the extra
pain decreases
when this happens. Sometimes it can be hard to get the needle into the fluid sac and the myelogram cannot be done.
How long does it take for a myelogram?
A myelogram usually takes
30 minutes to 1 hour
.
Is a myelogram the same as a spinal tap?
A myelogram is performed first in a separate procedure. This is
similar to a lumbar puncture
, or spinal tap, where the fluid space around the spinal cord (within the spinal canal) is accessed with local anesthesia and contrast (usually 12cc non-ionic iodinated contrast) is administered.
What is the most common clinical indication for a myelogram?
As a result, one of the most common indications for CT myelography is
to help evaluate the spinal canal and neural foramina in degenerative disease when
the patient cannot undergo MRI because of an MRI-incompatible implanted device or when MR images would be nondiagnostic because of extensive artifact (1).
Do you have to be NPO for a myelogram?
Basic Instructions
No solid foods
two hours before exam
. Drink extra fluids (no caffeine) up to 2 hours before exam. 2 hours before exam – NPO (If medications needed, take only with swallow of water.) Please arrive 45 minutes before scheduled myelogram appointment.
Is there an alternative to a myelogram?
What are the alternatives?
MRI can
provide much of the same information as a myelogram without an injection of contrast. The myelogram with CT offers certain advantages including detail of the bony structures.
Which is better myelogram or MRI?
The most significant limitation of myelography is that it only sees inside the spinal canal and the adjacent spinal nerve roots. Abnormalities outside these areas may be better imaged with MRI or CT.
MR is superior to myelography
when assessing intrinsic spinal cord disease.
What is the most common injection site for a myelogram?
Myelography involves radiographs and/or CT of the spine following opacification of the subarachnoid space by intrathecal injection of iodinated contrast, most commonly injected at
the lumbar level
.
Can a Myelogram cause paralysis?
There is a small risk of having an allergic reaction to the dye. You will be given medicine for a reaction. In rare cases, inflammation of the spinal cord, weakness, numbness, paralysis, or loss of control of your bowel or bladder may develop. Also in rare cases, the dye may cause blockage of the spinal canal.
