Your doctor has recommended you for a myelogram. This is a test to show if there are any abnormalities in the spine, the spinal cord (the nerves in the spine) or the surrounding structures. The procedure uses a special dye which makes the nerves in the spinal canal visible to an X-ray. Franklin Moser, MD, Chief of Neuroradiology, leads our team of imaging physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in these procedures.

If you are taking Coumadin you will be asked to stop taking it 72 hours prior to your procedure.

You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure, so you should arrange for someone to help you get home.

We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.

Please wear comfortable clothing.

A physician specialist in interventional radiology will discuss your procedure with you and answer any questions you might have.

After this discussion, you will be asked to sign a consent form, giving us permission to perform the test.

You must notify the nurse, technologist and/or imaging physician of any allergies you may have, or if you are pregnant, prior to your exam.

Also inform the team of any tranquilizing or anti-seizure medication you are taking, or if you are taking anti-depressants.

This test should not be done if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant, except in an emergency.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

You will be asked to lie on your stomach or side on an examination table.

Monitors will be placed on you to measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and the oxygen level in your blood. You may also be given intravenous fluids.

A numbing medicine will be injected into the skin of your back.

A second needle will be used to inject the X-ray dye into your spinal column. A sample of your spinal fluid might also be removed for testing.

The examination table will be tilted in different ways to help distribute the dye in your spine.

X-rays will then be taken of your back.

A CT (computed tomography scan) may also be taken.

After the exam, you will be required to remain in bed for 24 hours, sometimes in a bed elevated to 30 degrees.

You will be encouraged to drink lots of fluids.

This exam is not a treatment, it will not lessen your back pain. It will, however, help your physicians to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.

The results of your myelogram will be sent to your physician who will discuss it with you.

To request copies of your films on CD-Rom, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.

You can be dropped off in front of the South Tower on Gracie Allen Drive.

Parking is available in the South Tower parking lot, also off of Gracie Allen Drive. (If the lot is full, you will be directed to another parking lot.) To get into the parking lot, you need to be heading east on Gracie Allen. You can not turn into the lot if you are westbound.

Parking is partially validated.