What does myelogram mean?
A myelogram is a radiographic examination of the spinal cord and the nerve roots extending from it. Before the X-rays are taken, a radiopaque contrast medium is introduced into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord, helping the relevant structures appear more clearly on the images. A myelogram may help clinicians investigate severe back pain, numbness, weakness, or symptoms suggesting pressure on a nerve root. In modern medicine, magnetic resonance imaging is often preferred because it provides detailed images without requiring injected contrast, although myelography can still be useful in particular cases. The term is principally associated with radiology and neurology. Although a myelogram can refer either to the examination itself or to the resulting image, it should not be confused with a myogram, which records the electrical activity of muscle.
nounAn X-ray examination of the spinal cord, especially the nerve roots in the lower back, performed after injecting a contrast medium into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The term may also refer to the resulting image or series of images.
- An X-ray examination of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots performed with contrast medium, or the resulting radiographic image.
"The neurologist ordered a myelogram to investigate the cause of her severe lower-back pain."
"Her myelogram revealed a disc that was compressing a nerve root."
"A myelogram may be used to investigate symptoms such as severe back pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs."
Plural is used when referring to multiple examinations or their resulting images.
"The radiologist compared the myelograms taken before and after treatment."
The word hides the Greek sense of “marrow” in myelo-, a reminder that the spinal cord develops from the same basic tissue as bone marrow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of myelogram
The word was formed from the combining form myelo-, derived from Greek myelos, meaning “marrow” or “spinal cord,” and the combining form -gram, meaning something written or recorded. The prefix was used in medical vocabulary for the spinal cord and related nervous-system structures. Its English use developed alongside the technique of radiographic examination of the spinal cord, with related terms including myelography and myelographic.
Related word forms
How myelogram is actually used
This is a specialized medical term used chiefly in radiology, neurology, and orthopaedic medicine. In current clinical practice, MRI is often preferred for many spinal-cord and nerve-root conditions, so the term is less common in contemporary patient discussions than it once was.
Easily confused with myelogram
A myogram records the electrical activity of a muscle, whereas a myelogram images the spinal cord and its surrounding structures using contrast medium.