River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic Center is the leading outpatient provider of imaging services in the greater Houston area. Your health, diagnosis and treatment are paramount to us. Throughout your examination, our goal is to provide a comfortable, yet professional atmosphere. Committed to providing the highest quality services, we offer the latest technology to ensure our team of board-certified radiologists produces accurate and timely information to assist your physician with properly identifying and treating your condition.

WHAT IS A MYELOGRAM?

A myelogram is a procedure in which a small amount of iodine contrast media (dye) is injected into the spinal canal by a Radiologist. After the injection by a Radiologist a licensed technologist will take a series of x-rays. This allows a neuroradiologist to study spinal discs and nerve roots for any abnormalities.

ARE MYELOGRAMS FOREVERYONE?

As with any procedure, a risk of complications exists. Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the dye. To minimize this occurrence, please notify us at the time of scheduling if you have a known allergy to iodine. In these instances, medication will be administered prior to your procedure.

PROCEDURE PREPARATIONS

Once your appointment has been scheduled, you may call the nursing department at (713) 512-6055 for more information concerning your examination and/or medications.

It is mandatory that accurate day and night telephone numbers are given at the time of scheduling.

The nursing department will contact you on the day prior to your appointment.

Be sure and drink plenty of fluids the day before the test. You should not eat or drink six hours before the examination.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECTDURING THE EXAM?

You will be taken into the x-ray room and be asked to lie on your stomach on a table.
A technologist will clean your lower back or neck with an antiseptic solution. The radiologist will locate and numb the area where a thin needle will be inserted. You will feel a pin-prick and a slight stinging sensation when the local anesthesia is given.
The rest of the procedure is usually painless, but the contrast may cause some aching which lasts only five to ten minutes. A sedative is given before the procedure; therefore, you may not have any discomfort at all.
The needle is then removed and a series of x-rays are taken. The table may be tilted allowing the dye to travel to different areas of your spinal column. Don't worry about sliding off the table as there are handles and boots to wear that are attached to the table. You may be asked to turn your head or to roll onto your side.
When the x-rays are completed, you will be transferred to a stretcher with your head slightly elevated. You are then taken to a room in which a CT scan will be performed and where nurses will monitor your recovery. If no problems arise during the allotted recovery time, you will be sent home with specific post-myelogram instructions.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

The actual procedure lasts twenty to forty-five minutes with a following recovery period of two hours. During the recovery segment of your exam, you will be taken to our Computed Tomography (CT) Department for a spinal CT. This usually takes an additional fifteen to thirty minutes. Be prepared for a three to five hour visit in total.

POST PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

When departing the office, you will be given instructions and a phone number to call if any problems arise. Resume your normal diet if you are not nauseated. When home, lie down with your head elevated and drink plenty of fluids. If possible, relax for forty-eight hours before resuming your normal activities.

MYELOGRAM RESULTS

Once your exam is complete,our highly skilled licensed technologists will produce images for a radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will study your results and then produce a report, which is forwarded to your physician.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATES

Our technical staff are trained extensively in this highly specialized area are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology and licensed with the State of Texas. All radiologists are board certified.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Should you have any questions about your ability to participate in this examination, or if you wish to know more about myelograms, consult your physician or contact our office and we will be happy to assist you. River Oaks Imaging & Diagnostic is geographically accessible with multiple locations. All facilities offer convenient, extended hours. Please call our scheduling department at (713) 512-6040 to determine which facility will best serve you. We look forward to a partnership with you and your physician which will promote your health.