Myelography is a modern method of verifying the spine

Myelography is an effective technique for radiological examination of the spine of , predominantly the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord.

The method is one of the most reliable and effective methods to diagnose in a timely manner numerous spine diseases at the earliest stages.

The essence of this study is the introduction of a special radiopaque substance directly into the subarachnoid space that surrounds the spinal cord and nearby nerve endings.

This contrast substance completely fills the cavity of the given space and, as it were, "highlights" from the inside all available abnormalities and pathologies.

As a result of this study, it is possible to obtain reliable images of the spine in the present-day mode, which makes it possible to diagnose any spinal pathology in a timely manner already at the initial stages.

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In these pictures, you can examine in detail all the departments of the spine, its nerve endings and membranes. More reliable information about the state of the spinal cord will not provide, in the opinion of many experts, no x-ray studies.

The role of such a substance is usually used gas substances - oxygen or nitrogen oxide, or special substances that belong to the category of radiopaque - it can be demirex, imipak or other medications.

The main indications for the procedure

In most cases, the procedure of myelography is recommended in order to identify a variety of pathological processes in the spinal cord and spine, spinal canal and nerve endings that supply nutrients to the spine.

Indications for X-ray examination of the spine:

• procedure is performed in case of patient complaints of a constant feeling of numbness and weakness in the extremities of the
• , without fail, if suspicion of the appearance of an intervertebral hernia;
• X-ray procedure is assigned to identify benign and malignant tumors;
• timely detection of the initial stage of the inflammatory process in the area of ​​the spinal cord;
• is necessary for diagnosing malfunctions in the functioning of the spinal nerves;
• revealing possible narrowing of the spinal canal and its blood vessels;
• also this procedure is prescribed for osteochondrosis, fracture of the spine, as well as other serious back injuries.

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Preparatory phase

Before going to myelography, you should familiarize yourself with the basic steps of its implementation and the rules of preparation for the procedure.

The main rule of preparation is to make sure that there is absolutely no content in your intestines that would interfere with the X-ray study.

This means that for at least 10 hours before the procedure should stop eating any food.

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Research with an empty bowel is the guarantee of maximum reliability of the result obtained. Often it is recommended that patients not only refuse food, but also water.

The physician may recommend absolute absence of fluid for at least 8 hours before the study. More details about the rules of preparation for the procedure can be found directly from your doctor.

Be sure to tell the doctor about the possible pregnancy, even if its fact is currently not confirmed, allergic reactions to various medications, as well as medications used.

Even if you took an innocuous sedative before the procedure - be sure to notify your doctor.

In preparation for myelography, it is strictly forbidden to use medicines from the group of antidepressants.

Also should not use anticoagulant drugs , aimed at diluting the blood, as well as medications that are usually taken with diabetes.

It is recommended to remove all ornaments from yourself, as they can greatly impede the passage of radiological rays.

Immediately before the medical procedure, a patient may be prescribed a certain sedative, which will have a calming effect on the patient's psyche and help him calmly transfer the diagnosis.

This practice does not occur in every case - it all depends on the study of an anamnesis of each individual person. In no case should you take sedatives alone - they should appoint only a treating specialist.

As a rule, sedatives are prescribed to patients who do not tolerate possible pain sensations, since myelography is usually performed without the use of anesthesia.

How is the procedure performed?

For the introduction of a needle with radiopaque substance, the patient assumes a supine position on the back or on the side. In some cases, the patient can simply sit on the couch, slightly bending down.

In the back, namely into the area between the vertebral discs, an injection with a pre-prepared contrast medium is injected.

The most optimal option is the introduction of a drug into the area of ​​the lower lumbar spine - this option not only gives the most effective results, but also delivers the patient minimal pain.

During the procedure, the doctor slightly tilts the couch on which the patient lies - this allows the contrast medium to completely fill the subarachnoid space and fully reveal all the existing pathologies of the spine and nearby organs.

In many modern clinics, the myelography of the spine department is carried out with a three-dimensional reconstruction - this unique method makes it possible to obtain pictures with detailed images of each part of the spine and all its nerve endings.

Features of passing

Myelography has some peculiarities - consider some rules of the procedure that will help you to completely avoid the unpleasant consequences of the investigation:

1. If you have a fear of , inform your doctor .He will be able to prescribe to you certain sedatives that reduce the sense of fear to a minimum, or the use of local anesthetic agents before the introduction of a needle with a drug.
2. To avoid unpleasant painful sensations of after the procedure, the patient is recommended to use the maximum amount of fluid with which the contrast material will be eliminated from the body naturally.
3. Patients who are diagnosed with are recommended to do a simple physical exercise in a day or two. This positively affects the removal of the contrast medium from the body. In this case, a special advantage is given to various exercises in which the spin is involved - inclinations in different directions and other exercises.

Why is myelography the best choice?

This radiological procedure has both its undeniable advantages and some disadvantages. The advantages are:

• this procedure is the most reliable and safe for the human body;
• with the help of myelography, the doctor will be able to obtain pictures with a detailed image of the smallest spinal vessels, which are very difficult to consider in other studies;
• contrast agent, introduced into the body, is easily removed from it and does not cause any harm.

Disadvantages include such phenomena as:

• after this procedure, the patient may experience frequent headaches, dizziness and weakness in the whole body;
• also used contrast medium can cause the patient to feel nausea, heartburn, vomiting and other disorders of the digestive system;
• In extremely rare cases, the injected substance may cause a certain allergic reaction in the patient, which will require further treatment by a specialist.

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