Are there any risks or side effects from the dye or the radiation used in myelography?

Potential risks include allergic reaction to the contrast (rare), headache from CSF leakage, infection at the puncture site, and a small amount of radiation exposure; your team will screen for allergies and use the lowest effective radiation dose.

What should I expect during the contrast dye injection for a myelogram?

small needle is placed in the lower back (lumbar puncture) while you lie on your side; a sterile, iodine‑based dye is slowly injected into the subarachnoid space, which may cause a brief headache or a warm sensation, and you’ll be monitored throughout.

How long does it take to receive the imaging results, and will additional tests be needed?

Images are usually reviewed within a few hours after the procedure; if the myelogram shows unclear findings, your doctor may order a CT‑myelogram or MRI for higher resolution detail.

When can I resume normal eating, drinking, and activities after the procedure?

You can usually drink clear fluids soon after the test and eat a regular diet once any post‑procedure nausea resolves; most people return to light activities the next day, but avoid strenuous lifting or bending for 24‑48 hours to reduce headache risk.

Myelography

Myelography is an imaging test that uses contrast dye and x-ray technology to visualize the spinal canal and identify conditions affecting the spinal cord and nerves.

Overview

Myelography, also called a myelogram, is an imaging test that checks for problems in your spinal canal. The spinal canal contains your spinal cord, nerve roots, and the subarachnoid space, which is a fluid-filled area between the spinal cord and its covering membrane.

Because a regular x-ray only shows bones, contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal during this procedure. This dye makes organs, blood vessels, and tissues appear more clearly on an x-ray, helping providers identify if something is pressing on your nerves or spinal cord. Myelography involves one of two imaging procedures:

Fluoroscopy: A type of x-ray that shows internal tissues, structures, and organs moving in real time as a live video.
CT scan (computerized tomography): A procedure that combines a series of x-ray images taken from different angles around your body.

What is it used for?

Myelography is used to look for conditions and diseases that affect the nerves, blood vessels, and structures in the spinal canal, including:

Herniated disk: A condition where a spinal disk bulges out and presses on spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
Tumors
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spaces in the spine that creates pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Infections: Conditions affecting the membranes and tissues of the spinal cord, such as meningitis.
Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the membrane that covers the spinal cord.

Providers may also recommend this test if you experience new back pain or weakness following a recent surgery.

Why do I need myelography?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a spinal disorder, such as:

Pain in the back, neck, or leg
Tingling sensations
Weakness
Trouble walking
Difficulty with tasks involving small muscle groups, such as buttoning a shirt

What happens during myelography?

The procedure is typically performed at a radiology center or hospital and takes about an hour. Key steps include:

Removing jewelry, metal objects, and clothing (a hospital gown will be provided).
Lying on your side or stomach on an x-ray table.
Cleaning the back with an antiseptic solution and injecting numbing medicine.
Using a thin needle to inject contrast dye into the spinal canal. You may feel pressure, or experience a warm/flushed feeling, nausea, or a metallic taste.
The provider may withdraw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for testing.
The x-ray table will be tilted to move the dye to different areas of the spine while you remain still.
Images are captured using fluoroscopy or a CT scan.

After the test, you will be monitored for one to two hours. You will need someone to drive you home and should rest with your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity for one to two days, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol.

Preparation and Risks

Your provider may ask you to drink extra fluids the day before and restrict intake to clear fluids only on the day of the test. Inform your provider about all medications, especially aspirin or blood thinners, which may need to be stopped up to 72 hours in advance.

Risks include:

Pregnancy: This test should not be performed if you are or may be pregnant due to radiation exposure.
Allergic reactions: Tell your provider if you have allergies to shellfish or iodine.
Common side effects: Headache (which may last up to 24 hours), nausea, and vomiting.
Serious complications: Rare risks include seizures, infection, or blockage in the spinal canal.

Contact your provider immediately if you experience a headache lasting longer than 24 hours, fever, stiff neck, tingling or numbness in the legs, or trouble going to the bathroom.

What do the results mean?

A normal result indicates that the spinal canal and its structures are normal in size, position, and shape. A not normal result may indicate a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, tumor, nerve injury, bone spurs, or arachnoiditis. Your provider will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.