Fluoroscopy-Myelogram (spinal canal)

A myelogram, usually performed in conjunction with a CT scan, is an x-ray exam to study a particular level of your spine and the fluid-filled space within the spinal canal. You will be asked to lie on your stomach on the fluoroscopy table. The Radiologist injects numbing medication and will then place a needle into the spinal canal and inject x-ray contrast dye. Images are taken once the contrast has been injected.

What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a special type of x-ray that allows the radiologist to examine different parts of your body, such as organs and tissues, in real time to determine how these systems look and function. Fluoroscopic images are viewed on a monitor similar to a TV screen. Most fluoroscopic exams require the use of contrast dye. This contrast may be injected or administered orally.

Patient Preparation

You should tell your technologist about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, as well as any allergies you might have to medications. Women should always inform SSR staff if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO EAT 4 hours before your exam starts. Please note that you will need to drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your appointment. Then nothing by mouth until after your appointment. Since nausea occasionally occurs after this exam, it is suggested that you bring a friend or relative who can drive you home.

If you are taking blood thinning medication, please inform SSR staff as you may need to discontinue these pror to the procedure.

Exam Information

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials to review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • Please wear metal-free clothing to your appointment. Once you arrive, you may be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You may also need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that could obscure the images. 
  • During the exam, you will be positioned on your stomach on a special fluoroscopy table.
  • Using fluoroscopic guidance, the radiologist will numb the area and place a needle into the fluide filled space within the spinal canal.  A special contrast materials will then be injected into that space.  Images of the area will be taken.
  • If this exam is to be followed by CT imaging, you will be transferred to a stretcher, lying on your back with your head elevated. 
  • You will then be transferred to the CT table and more detailed images of your spine will be taken.

After the exam

After your exam, be sure to drink plenty of liquids and plan on taking it easy.  A mild headache is normal following this procedure and Tylenol may be used if needed.  If a headache persists longer than 24 hours and increases in severity when upright but feels better when lying down, please call South Sound Radiology at 360-493-4600.

 

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Results

Results will be dictated by the Radiologist who performed your exam and a formal written report will be sent to your referring physician within 2 to 3 days. Your physician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your physician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about these and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.