Myelogram
A myelogram is an x-ray test to check your spinal cord and nerves. A small
amount of radioactive dye is given for this test. The dye leaves your body
after a few days.
If you have any allergies to medicines, foods or other things, tell the
staff before the test.
If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell the staff before the test.
An adult family member or friend needs to come with you to take you home
after the test. It is not safe for you to drive or leave alone.
Arrive on time for your test. The test takes about 1 hour.
To Prepare
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight before the
test.
• If you are to take your medicines the morning of the test, take them with
sips of water only.
During the Test
• You will wear a hospital gown.
• You lie on a table on your stomach or your side.
• The doctor cleans part of your back. This may feel cold.
• Numbing medicine is put into the skin of your back.
• When the skin is numb, the doctor puts a needle in between the bones of
your back. If you feel any pain, tell the doctor where and how it hurts.
• Some fluid is removed for testing.
• A small amount of dye is given through the needle so that the space
around your spinal cord can be seen on x-ray.
• You are asked to turn slowly and the table moves.
• X-rays are taken while you are in different positions.
• The needle is removed and a band-aid is placed over the spot.
• More x-rays are taken.