The Spine Hospital of Louisiana offers patients a state-of-the-art spiral CT (Computed Tomography)accredited by the American College of Radiology that allows our physicians to review extremely detailed examinations of the entire body. A CT scan is a painless neurodiagnostic procedure that helps diagnose neurological complications including:

• Stroke
• Brain Damage
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Aneurysms
• Nerve Damage
• Neurological disease such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis

Neuroradiologists at The Spine Hospital of Louisiana also utilize the CT to assess spinal cord injuries or tumors through a neurodiagnostic procedure known as a myelogram.

Myelograms

A myelogram is an imaging examination that uses a special dye injected into the spinal canal and CT imaging to examine the spinal cord, nerve roots and other tissues.

Why me?
A physician may order a myelogram to assess the spinal cord or other structures for abnormalities, especially when standard x-rays are inconclusive. Myelograms may be used to evaluate many spinal diseases including herniated discs, spinal cord or brain tumors, spinal stenosis or cysts.

What to expect?
Before your test a complete medical history is reviewed by your physician, including any known allergies you may have to the special dye. Notify your physician of all medications or supplements you are taking as some can cause problems with myelography. You may be asked to stop taking some medications before your test. Please tell the radiologist if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. You may be asked to fast prior to the radiologist administering the exam and will notify you ahead of time if you are to go a predetermined time without eating. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the myelogram, so please make arrangements for a family member to drive you home after your procedure.

When it is time for your myelogram, you will be kindly escorted to a patient dressing room where will be asked to remove clothing and jewelry and put on a gown. You will have an opportunity to empty your bladder prior to the test. In a myelogram room, you will lie face down on a special table, your back will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the radiologist will numb your skin by injecting a local anesthetic which may cause a stinging sensation. A needle will them be inserted through the numbed site, into the spinal canal in the lower back. You may feel a warming sensation while the injection of the special dye mixes with the spinal fluid. The needle is then removed and X-ray or CT scan pictures are taken.

The radiologist will make the effort to see that your myelogram is as comfortable as possible. You may experience discomfort during your myelogram–it is ok to let the radiologist know about any numbness, tingling, or lightheadedness.

After your myelogram, you may be asked to remain in a horizontal position for several hours after your procedure. You will also be asked to drink additional fluids to rehydrate and to help your body flush the dye from your system. Once home, notify your physician if you experience any irregularities including numbness in your arms or legs, pain near the injection site, or headache. The physician will also let you know how long you need to limit your activity.

Your physician will call you with the results of your myelogram. Ask your doctor when to expect this call.