What Is A Ct Myelogram?

(December 13, 2011)

What are the side effects of ct myelogram?

Most medical examinations or procedures come with certain side effects. A CT Myelogram has side effects as well. CT, Myelogram side effects can be either mild or severe. One of the major side effects of CT Myelogram is the risk of developing cancer. This is due to the excessive exposure to radiation that the person undergoes. Major CT myelogram side effects also include meningitis. Meningitis is an infectious disease where the tissues that surround the spinal cord or the brain are inflamed. Other problems of a CT Myelogram that might occur are an adverse reaction to the contrast material that is used.

Symptoms of this kind of CT Myelogram side effects include nausea, itching, sneezing and rashes. There could also be other side effects such as wheezing or hives or side effects which are related to the lungs or the heart. These reactions however, are extremely rare.  Blockage of fluid within the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal, nerve injury due to the needle being introduced into the spinal cord, and bleeding around the nerve roots are other possible side effects of a CT Myelogram. CT Myelogram side effects also include seizures although this kind of side effect is once again, rare.

What is a Cervical CT Myelogram?

A cervical CT Myelogram is more or less the same medical procedure as a CT of the cervical spine. The difference is that in a Myelogram a dye; mainly a contrast material is injected into the person. This enables the doctor to have an enhanced view of nerve roots of the cervical spine and of the space surrounding the spine. A CT scan gives good images of hard tissue such as bone structure. When a CT scan is combined with a Myelogram, the images that are produced are much clearer and show both the bony structures of the spine as well as the nerve structures. A cervical CT Myelogram procedure is performed in a special radiology center or in the x-ray department of a hospital. The cervical CT Myelogram has two parts – contrast dye is first injected into the spine and then the pictures are taken. For a cervical CT Myelogram, the patient is positioned on his or her back before the dye is injected. The area where the dye is to be injected is cleaned with antiseptic and then a local anesthetic is given to the person just before the dye is injected.  Patients are asked to lie still and hold their breath for a brief while as the images are taken for the CT scan. The person is observed for several hours after the medical procedure and then sent home.

The CT Myelogram cervical CPT code could change depending on different factors.

A ct myelogram is a procedure used to obtain images of the bones and the spaces between the bones in the spinal canal. These images are obtained through X-ray and use of a contrast dye. The spinal canal is composed of the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots and the subarachnoid space which is a fluid filled area. During a ct myelogram the dye is introduced into the subarachnoid space by inserting a needle into the spinal canal. Once the dye spreads through the space, the spinal cord and nerve roots are clearly visible. A radiologist takes images of the spinal canal before and after the dye is introduced. The procedure may be performed with or without a CT scan.

Why it is done

A ct myelogram is done in case of a ruptured or herniated spinal disc, inflammation of the membrane that covers the spinal cords and brain and infection or tumor which is affecting the nerve roots and spinal cord. It may also be ordered to examine the degree of spinal stenosis and to detect problems in blood flow to the spine. Individuals with numbness in the arms or legs may also be requested to undergo this procedure. This procedure may also be done when other tests such as CT scans and MRIs have not detected any cause of pain.  

How to prepare

In order to prepare for a ct myelogram, the individual must remove any jewelry or clothes that may cause interference during the x-ray test.

How it is done

The ct myelogram technique or the ct myleogram protocol involves introduction of a contrast dye into the lumbar region of the spine. The individual is made to lie down on the side or stomach on an x-ray table. After application of a numbing medication on the back, a needle is inserted into the spinal canal by making a puncture in the area. X-ray pictures are taken in order to guide the insertion of the needle into the correct area. First a sample of the canal fluid is extracted and then the dye is introduced. X-ray images are taken again. The procedure may last for half an hour, after which the individual needs to lie down with the head elevated for at least eight hours.

The individual may experience slight nausea, vomiting or headache after the ct myelogram procedure. Some bleeding may also occur at the puncture site. In very rare cases, a seizure may occur if the contrast dye enters the brain. In some cases, inflammation may occur in the spinal cord. The ct myelogram CPT code would differ depending on various factors. The ct myelogram CPT code for that of the lumbar spine is 72132.