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.
