What happens during myelography?
A myelography may be done at a radiology center or in the radiology department of a hospital. The procedure usually includes the following steps:
You may need to remove your clothing. If so, you will be given a hospital gown.
You will lie on your stomach on a padded x-ray table.
Your provider will clean your back with an antiseptic solution.
You will be injected with numbing medicine, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, your provider will use a thin needle to inject contrast dye into your spinal canal. You may feel some pressure when the needle goes in, but it should not hurt.
Your provider may remove a sample of spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) for testing.
Your x-ray table will be tilted in different directions to allow the contrast dye to move to different areas of the spinal cord.
Your provider will remove the needle.
Your provider will capture and record images using fluoroscopy or a CT scan.
After the test, you may be monitored for one to two hours. You may also be advised to lie down at home for a few hours and to avoid strenuous activity for one to two days after the test.
