Myelogram
A myelogram uses X-rays and fluoroscopy to make pictures of bones and nerves of the spine (spinal canal). The spinal canal contains the spinal cord and nerve roots surrounded by a fluid-filled space called the subarachnoid space. For a myelogram, a dye (contrast material) that contains iodine is put into the subarachnoid space. X-ray pictures are taken as the dye moves into different areas of the subarachnoid space.
A myelogram can be used to find:
- A blockage in the spinal canal that may be caused by a tumor or by a spinal disc that has ruptured (herniated).
- Inflammation of the membrane (arachnoid membrane) that covers the brain and spinal cord.
- Problems of the blood supply to the spinal cord.
- Problems of the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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