Radiographic study of the spinal cord after the injection of a dye.
A record of the spinal cord taken by myelography.
An X-ray examination of the spinal cord and subarachnoid space after a radio-opaque substance has been injected.
X-ray examination of the spinal cord and brain to see if there is evidence of tumors, spinal cord injury, or dislocated disks, such as might show up in narrowing or obstruction of the spaces where the cerebrospinalfluid flows (see brain and brain disorders). In a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is removed and replaced with a fluid that will show up with contrast on the X-ray. The patient is tilted on a table while a series of X-rays are taken at different angles, and then most or all of the contrast fluid is removed. The procedure is uncomfortable; common side effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing, pressure, headaches, and some pain, especially as fluid is removed. Serious side effects are relatively rare, but involve possible introduction of infection and allergy to the contrasting fluid.