What is myelography?
Myelography is a type of diagnostic medical imaging examination in which X -rays are used from the inside of the backbone. This procedure is used to explore the spine for abnormalities that may indicate the presence of the disease. The overall purpose of myelography is to diagnose the disease and contribute to the assessment of the type of spine treatment required by the patient. In addition to infection, inflammation, tumors and lesions, this type of medical imaging test can detect discs and degenerative diseases of soft tissues called backbone stenosis. This diagnostic test can be performed in cases where MRI is not suitable. For example, if a patient uses a medical facility such as a pacemaker, MRI cannot undergo MRI because the magnetic energy emitted by the machine can disrupt the pacemaker. In such cases, myelogram may undergo.
When preparing for myelogram, the patient should be scienceOM that certain medicines can interfere with the procedure or may increase the risk of procedure. These include drugs for seizures, antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, blood thinners and certain diabetes drugs. A patient who uses one of these medicines or who has some allergies should discuss preparation with his doctor before the procedure. A woman who is pregnant, or thinks she may be pregnant, should also be provided by her doctor and X -ray technology, and the radiologist involved in the procedure is aware of pregnancy.
At the beginning of the myelographic procedure, the contrasting dye is injected into a place in the spine called subarachnoid space. This space is located between two membranes that close the spinal cord. After injection of the Tpateř dye for the patient, he looks at the X -ray technique called fluoroscopy, in which a continuous ray of X -ray energy is focused on the area of interest. This technique allows the radiologist to see a contrasting dye when it flows through the subarachnoid space, which means it can evaluatefunction and structure.
The procedure usually takes thirty and sixty minutes. In some cases, the patient may undergo CT scanning after myelogram, which lasts another thirty minutes. After the procedure, the patient will remain in the hospital or clinic for a short time to observe.
Myelography is painless and generally safe, with several risks. Some patients may experience headaches after the procedure that may require drugs. People who are allergic to a contrasting dye can experience rashes, sneezing, itching or nausea. Very rarely, dye injection can cause nerve damage, inflammation or infection.