Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
CT Scan
This scan is genuinely different from a standard spine CT: a radiologist first injects contrast dye directly into the fluid around your spinal cord, then a CT is taken to show how that dye outlines the nerve roots and spinal canal. It's used mainly when MRI - the usual first choice for looking at the spinal cord and nerves - isn't an option, such as for a patient with a pacemaker or certain metal implants, severe spinal curvature, or claustrophobia. Studies comparing the two methods have found CT myelography catches lateral nerve root compression that MRI underestimates in a meaningful share of surgically confirmed cases, and it's considered the more reliable option for judging nerve root avulsion after certain injuries.
This scan tracks contrast dye injected into the fluid space around your spinal cord and nerve roots, then images how it flows and where it's blocked. It shows nerve root compression, spinal canal narrowing, and CSF flow abnormalities. Your doctor reads it alongside your symptoms and, often, why MRI wasn't an option.
A plain spine CT looks at bone and, to a lesser extent, soft tissue. CT myelography adds a step before the scan: a radiologist injects contrast dye into the thecal sac, the fluid-filled space surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots, so the CT can show those structures far more clearly than bone imaging alone.
MRI is usually the first choice for looking at the spinal cord and nerves. CT myelography becomes the alternative when MRI isn't possible or isn't giving a clear answer - for example, in patients with a pacemaker or certain metal implants, severe spinal curvature that distorts MRI images, or a scanner that can't be tolerated.
- Lateral nerve root compression, which research suggests MRI can underestimate compared to myelography - Nerve root avulsion after certain injuries - Locating a spinal fluid leak - Confirming spinal stenosis when MRI findings are unclear
The injection is done under imaging guidance, and the CT follows soon after. Ask your doctor or the centre about preparation, including any blood-thinning medication.
A regular spine CT images bone and general soft tissue. This one adds a contrast dye injection into the fluid around your spinal cord first, which shows the nerve roots and spinal canal in far more detail.
MRI is usually tried first for spinal cord and nerve problems. This scan is used when MRI isn't possible - for instance, with certain pacemakers or metal implants - or when MRI results aren't clear enough for your specific problem.
There's some discomfort during the injection, similar to a lumbar puncture, and the area is usually numbed first. Ask the centre what to expect on the day.
Possible effects include a headache afterward, and rarely, an allergic reaction to the contrast or other complications. Your doctor will discuss these with you before the procedure.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Yes, since it combines a fluoroscopy-guided injection with a CT scan afterward, both of which use X-rays.
Between the injection and the CT scan that follows, it typically runs longer than a plain spine CT. Ask the centre for a time estimate specific to your appointment.
Yes - there may be instructions about blood-thinning medication or fasting before the injection. Ask your doctor or the centre directly, since this differs from a routine spine CT.
No, the two show different things and MRI remains the first choice for most spine and nerve problems. This scan is reserved for situations where MRI can't be done or hasn't given a clear enough answer.