What do the results of a myelogram mean?

Your doctor will talk to you about the results of your test.

Myelogram

Normal:

• The dye flows evenly through the spinal canal.

• The spinal cord is normal in size, position and shape. The nerves leaving the spinal cord are normal.

• No narrowing or blockage of the spinal canal is seen.

  Abnormal:

• The flow of dye is blocked or diverted. This may be due to a ruptured herniated disc, spinal stenosis, a nerve injury, an abscess, or a tumor.

• Inflammation of the membrane (arachnoid membrane) that covers the spinal cord is seen.

• One or more nerves leaving the spinal cord are pinched.