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CT Myelogram Patient Instructions

My nerosurgeon has recommended a CT Myelogram to get a better look at what may be an intraneural cyst at the L5-S1 level. I have all the synptoms of sciatica (right leg), but a "mass" revealed by two MRIs indicate that the material causing the protrusion is not the same as intervertabral disk material. I learned from the technician at the Imaging Center that they do not have the facilities to accommodate a patient who needs to lay supine 4 hour or so to prevent the notorious headaches occaisioned by leaking at the site of the spinal tap or contrast injection. I was told that patients are asked to roll from side to side after the injection and may lay on the guerney if necessary, but the Imaging Center prefers that the patient go home for rest as soon as possible. I have read online that many centers have mechanical beds that rotate the paitent to assure that the contrast medium pools in the anterior thecal sac and along the spinal nerve root pouches. How important is it to stay in a supine position while at the Imaging Center? Are there any increased risks of headaches associated with travel immediatel after the spinal injection procedure?
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Are there any other side affects from a CT Myelogram /spinal tap?

When injected I felt the fluid go doen uner my skin across my buttocks and down my left leg-  was that suppose to happen?
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MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi.

Your stay in the imaging centre may be short or long. But it is iportant to lie supine with a raised head. (One medium sized ipillow under the back of head will do). this is to avoid headache. The risk of headaches does increase, if you travel immediately after the procedure. But if you take care not to sit or stand for long, and can travel in your vehicle in a supine position, you may still be able to avoid that nagging postural headache.

Hope that helps. Please revert to me for any further queries.

DrAbhijeetMD
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