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Myelogram test... what should i expect?? i am scared!!!?
(April 1, 2010)
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A myelogram or mylography is a test that is performed to identify possible diseases of the spinal cord as well as the canal. It is capable of identifying pain and weakness inducing conditions like nerve compression. This procedure requires the introduction of a dye or a radiographic contrast media into the dura, which is the outermost sac that surrounds the spinal cord. The patient is asked to lie on his or her stomach and a local anaesthetic will be administered. The anaesthetic will take care of any pain and hence, there is no cause for worry. In fact, the test is performed on an outpatient basis. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, the dye is injected and this is followed by MRI’s, CT scans and x-rays. A neuroradiologist usually conducts the entire procedure, after which the results are interpreted and then given to the patient’s physician. Once these tests are conducted, the patient is wheeled into a recovery area and continues to lie on the stomach for several hours with the head in an elevated position. The patient can go home on the very same day and must try to take rest and avoid strenuous activities in order to allow the puncture to heal.
This is how the procedure normally works. While at home, remember to drink plenty of water and fruit juices to get the dye out of your system. Now it is important to discuss certain things with your physician before the procedure is done. Let her/him know if you have any metal implants in your body such as a pacemaker for instance, in which case the MRI scan cannot be done. Any allergic reactions to medication or any other substance, infections of the kidney or even an inability to lie on your stomach for long will have to be reported before the procedure. If you are suffering from diabetes, the doctor will in all likelihood, stop the medication for two days prior to the procedure. Epilepsy and seizure medication can interfere with the test and such a condition will have to be reported to the physician. Prior to the test, you may drink clear liquids but cannot eat anything past midnight on the day you are to have the test. The test does not usually leave any side effects, although a few patients do complain of headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. These are likely to disappear in a day, but if they persist you may consult your physician.
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Submitted by M T on April 1, 2010 at 05:00
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