Myelogram

What is a myelogram?

A myelogram is a diagnostic imaging test generally done by a radiologist. 它使用对比染料和x射线或计算机断层扫描(CT)来寻找椎管中的问题. Problems can develop in the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other tissues. This test is also called myelography.

The contrast dye is injected into the spinal column before the procedure. 造影剂出现在x射线屏幕上,放射科医生可以看到脊髓, subarachnoid space, and other nearby structures more clearly than with standard X-rays of the spine.

The radiologist will also use a CT scan when doing a myelogram. CT或CAT扫描是一种成像测试,它使用x射线和计算机来制作身体的详细图像. A CT scan shows details images of the spinal canal. CT scans show more details than standard X-rays.

Spinal Column Vertebrae

 

Why might I need a myelogram?

A myelogram may be done to assess the spinal cord, subarachnoid space, or other structures for changes or abnormalities. It may be used when another type of exam, such as a standard X-ray, does not give clear answers about the cause of back or spine problems. Myelograms may be used to evaluate many diseases, including:

  • Herniated discs (discs that bulge and press on nerves and/or the spinal cord)
  • Spinal cord or brain tumors
  • Infection and/or inflammation of tissues around the spinal cord and brain
  • 椎管狭窄(脊髓周围骨骼和组织的退化和肿胀,使椎管狭窄)
  • 强直性脊柱炎(一种影响脊柱的疾病,导致骨头一起生长)
  • Bone spurs
  • Arthritic discs
  • Cysts (benign capsules that may be filled with fluid or solid matter)
  • Tearing away or injury of spinal nerve roots
  • Arachnoiditis (inflammation of a delicate membrane that covers the brain.)

There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend a myelogram.

There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend a myelogram.

What are the risks of a myelogram?

There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. 如果你曾经对任何造影剂有过反应,一定要让你的医疗保健提供者知道.

因为造影剂被注射到脑脊液(CSF)中,脑脊液也包裹着大脑, there is a small risk of seizure after the injection.

由于该手术涉及腰椎穿刺,可能会出现以下潜在并发症:

  • A small amount of CSF can leak from the needle insertion site. This can cause headaches after the procedure. If there is a persistent leak the headache can be severe.
  • 有轻微的感染风险,因为针头会破坏皮肤表面, providing a possible entry point for bacteria.
  • Short-term numbness of the legs or lower back pain may be experienced.
  • There is a risk of bleeding in the spinal canal.

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. 请务必在手术前与您的医疗保健提供者讨论任何问题.

How do I get ready for a myelogram?

如果你在约翰霍普金斯医院或湾景医疗中心做骨髓造影, 神经放射科医生或放射科护士会在脊髓造影前两到三天通过电话联系您,讨论手术过程并回答您可能有的任何问题.  

Please inform the neuroradiologist/nurse if:

  • You are on antibiotics -如果你的血液中有感染,目前正在使用抗生素,你可能需要等待做手术. 如果你有活动性感染或发烧,你的手术可能需要重新安排.
  • You have a history of seizures
  • You are allergic to any local anesthetics (lidocaine) or IV contrast 
  • There is any chance that you could be pregnant
  • You are on anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners)

PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. Options should be discussed with you and your doctor.

CLOTHING: You may be asked to change into a gown. A gown will be provided for you. 然而,这个过程也可以在你不穿衣服的情况下进行. 因此,尽量穿非限制性的、舒适的衣服,如果可能的话,穿上鞋子. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

EAT/DRINK: 在手术前两天尽量增加液体的摄入量(比如水和果汁),除非身体状况不允许你这样做. 如果您不确定它对您是否安全,请联系您的初级保健提供者或转诊提供者.

然而,在手术当天,在手术前三小时内不要吃东西. 你可能会有液体,可以服用你的常规药物,除非之前建议持有某些药物准备脊髓造影.

MEDICATION所有的推荐十大正规网赌平台都可以照常服用他们的处方药物,除非被指示持有某些药物,如血液稀释剂. Please bring a current list of your medications and allergies with you.

TRAVEL你必须有一个成年司机陪你,这样他们才能在手术后开车送你回家. This is for your safety and comfort.

  • 提前一小时到达办理入住手续,并做好手续准备.
  • Please note: You will be unable to drive for 24 hours after the procedure. If you are taking a cab or using public transportation, 手术结束后,你需要带一个朋友或家人陪你去你的家或酒店. A cab or public transportation driver is not considered an escort.

What happens during a myelogram?

lumbar puncture, spinal tap

骨髓造影可以在门诊进行,也可以在住院期间进行. 对于门诊推荐十大正规网赌平台,请预留4个小时的准备、程序和恢复时间.

Generally, a myelogram follows this process:

  • 您的医疗保健提供者将向您解释程序,并询问您是否有任何问题.
  • 你将被要求签署一份同意书,允许你做这个手术. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.
  • You may be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
  • You may be asked to wear a gown. 然而,这个过程也可以在你不穿衣服的情况下进行. For this reason, please try to wear non-restrictive, comfortable clothing and slip on shoes if possible.
  • You will be reminded to empty your bladder prior to the start of the procedure.
  • During the procedure, you will lie on your stomach on a padded table.
  • 您的背部将用消毒液清洗,并盖上无菌毛巾.
  • 放射科医生会用细针注射局部麻醉剂来使皮肤麻木. 这种注射可能会刺痛几秒钟,但它会使整个过程不那么痛苦.
  • 一根针将穿过麻木的皮肤插入脊髓液所在的空间. You will feel some pressure while the needle goes in, but you must remain still.
  • The radiologist will remove some of the spinal fluid from the spinal canal. 接下来,通过针头将少量造影剂注入椎管. You may feel a warming sensation when the contrast dye is injected.
  • x光台将向不同方向倾斜,以使重力帮助造影剂移动到脊髓的不同区域. You will be held in place by a special brace or harness. 在此过程中,可通过固定的腰椎穿刺针给予更多的造影剂.
  • The needle is then removed and the X-rays and/or CT scan pictures are taken.
  • You should tell the radiologist right away if you feel any numbness, tingling, headache, or lightheadedness during the procedure.

You may experience discomfort during the myelogram. 放射科医生将使用所有可能的舒适措施,并尽快完成手术,以尽量减少任何不适或疼痛.

What happens after a myelogram?

手术后,你需要坐下或躺上几个小时,以减少脑脊液泄漏的风险. Most patients are asked to lie down for two hours after the procedure. If you need to urinate, 在你需要保持平躺的时候,你可能需要在便盆或小便池里这样做.

You will be asked to drink extra fluids to rehydrate after the procedure. 这有助于洗掉造影剂,并帮助你的身体替换被移除的脊髓液. It also reduces the chance of developing a headache.

When you have completed the recovery period, you will be taken to your hospital room or discharged to your home. If you go home, 通常你的医疗保健提供者会建议你休息一天的剩余时间

Once you are at home, tell your doctor of any changes including:

  • Numbness and tingling of the legs
  • Blood or other drainage from the injection site
  • Pain at or near the injection site
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Inability to urinate
  • Fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Leg numbness
  • Headaches

If the headaches persist for more than 24 hours after the procedure, or are worse when you change positions, 用出院指示上提供的电话号码与神经放射学小组联系.

You may be instructed to limit your activity for 24 hours after the procedure.

你的医疗保健提供者可能会给你其他具体的指示,告诉你在骨髓造影后应该做什么.

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