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myelogram

a myelogram uses x-rays (fluoroscopy) and a special dye called contrast material 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, the dye (which 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 tumour 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.

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