Myelography

Myelography, also called a myelogram, is an imaging test that checks for problems in your spinal canal. The spinal canal contains your spinal cord, nerve roots, and the subarachnoid space. The subarachnoid space is a fluid-filled space between the spinal cord and the membrane that covers it.A regular x-ray only shows your bones.

So during a myelography, contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal. Contrast dye is a substance that makes specific organs, blood vessels, and tissue show up more clearly on an x-ray. This clear view of the bones, disks, and other tissues surrounding your spinal canal may help your health care provider find out if something is pressing on your nerves or spinal cord.

This helps them choose the best treatment. Myelography involves using one of these two imaging procedures: Fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray that shows internal tissues, structures, and organs moving in real time as a live video.; CT scan (computerized tomography), a procedure that combines a series of x-ray images taken from different angles around your body.;

Why this test is done

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a spinal disorder, such as:

• Pain in the back, neck, and/or leg
• Tingling sensations
• Weakness
• Trouble walking
• Trouble with tasks that involve small muscle groups, such as buttoning a shirt

How to prepare

Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. They may ask you to drink extra fluids the day before the test. On the day of the test, you will probably be asked not to eat or drink anything except clear fluids.

These include water, clear broth, tea, and black coffee.

Tell your provider about any medicines you are taking. Certain medicines should not be taken before your test. These include aspirin and blood thinners.

Your provider will let you know how long you need to avoid these medicines. It may be as long as 72 hours before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

Sample type

CSF

Other names for this test

myelogram