Myelogram: Risks

Content provided by Healthwise

Risks

There is some risk of problems with a myelogram.

• About 20% of people who have a myelogram develop a headache, nausea, or vomiting after the test. The headache may last for 24 hours. In rare cases, a seizure may occur after the dye is put into the spinal canal.
• There is a small risk of a seizure if the dye moves to the brain. This is why if or when you lie down, you need to keep your head raised higher than your body.
• There is a small risk of infection at the needle site or bleeding into the spinal canal.
• In rare cases, the hole made by the needle in the sac around the spine does not close normally. This can allow spinal fluid to leak out. This leak may need to be repaired through surgery or another procedure.
• There is a small risk of having an allergic reaction to the dye. You will be given medicine for a reaction.
• There is a risk of kidney problems if you take metformin (Glucophage) to control your diabetes.
• In rare cases, inflammation of the spinal cord, weakness, numbness, paralysis, or loss of control of your bowel or bladder may develop.
• Also in rare cases, the dye may cause blockage of the spinal canal. If this occurs, surgery is usually needed.
• There is always a slight chance of damage to cells or tissue from radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. But the chance of damage from the X-rays is usually very low compared with the benefits of the test.

After the test

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have a seizure.

Call your doctor immediately if you:

• Have any increase in pain, weakness, or numbness in your legs.
• Have a severe headache, stiff neck, or your eyes become very sensitive to light.
• Have a headache that lasts longer than 24 hours.
• Have problems urinating or having a bowel movement.
• Develop a fever.

Last updated:	September 11, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer