myelogram

[darknlovely]

is a physican liable when he performs a myelogram procedure and the patient experiences a spinal headache for later that day due to not following interventions following the procedure? such as patinet lying flat for 10 minutes post procedure instead of allowing patient to lie flat for several hours


This discussion is related to myelogram complications.

[medchick0523]

I can't say definitively, but I would say physician liability is highly highly unlikely. I haven't had a myelogram, however, I've had four spinal taps, and all four times, regardless of what my physician and I tried, allowing me lie flat for 3-4 hours in the office, then going home and lying flat for another 48 hours... I developed the nasty post spinal headache every single time. It's just one of those things that happens, some people will never experience a low-pressure headache after a myelogram, and others will every single time. I would call it more of a side effect than a complication.

I know how horrible those headaches can be, I hope you feel better soon!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Headache is a common complication of myelography. It is thought to be due to changes in the CSF pressure. Usually rest and adequate amounts of fluid provide relief.
There are other factors which influence the occurrence of headache like age of the patient and type of needle used.