Myelogram

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Myelogram, also called myelography (mie-LOG-rah-fe), is an x-ray procedure to examine the spinal canal. This is done using a contrast material (dye). The spinal canal contains the spinal cord, which carries messages between your brain and your body, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that also flows around the brain. The spine is formed of vertebrae (small bones) that are stacked on one another with soft discs in between bones. Myelogram is usually done to diagnose a slipped disc, tumor, or problems causing a block in CSF flow. It may be used to check the spine after surgery or in patients with a slow wearing away of the bones. This procedure may not be done if you bleed easily.
  
  
• During a myelogram, dye is injected into the spinal canal and x-ray pictures of the spine are taken. The dye may be made of oil or water. Dye made of water can be absorbed by the body. This helps caregivers see the structures in your spine, such as nerves, spinal cord, discs, and bones better. The dye is usually put in the lower back area. Less often, the dye is given in the neck area of the spine.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You feel anxious or irritable.
  
  
• You have a headache or nausea that does not go away with rest and medicine.
  
  
• You have severe (bad) pain in your back or neck.
  
  
• You have bleeding or a discharge coming from the area where the needle was put into your back.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a headache that is very bad and does not get better.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have a stiff neck or have trouble thinking clearly.
  
  
• Your legs, feet, or other parts below the waist feel numb, tingly, or weak.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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