Lumbar myelography: side effects correlated with exam findings and needle size.

Abstract

The adverse effects of lumbar myelography in 400 patients were analyzed. To determine whether adverse effects of lumbar myelography occur less frequently when using the fine needle technique. Lumbar myelography can be performed safely on an outpatient basis. The side effects may be reduced by using the fine needle technique. Four hundred patients were studied; 200 with a 25 gauge needle and 200 with a 22 gauge needle. Each was given a questionnaire and instructed to report details of post-myelogram adverse effects. Transient worsening of back or leg symptoms, headache, and nausea and vomiting, the most frequent complaints, were reduced in the 200 patients studied with a 25 gauge needle rather than a 22 gauge needle. Regardless of the needle, patients with normal myelograms reported more adverse effects. A lower frequency of adverse effects can be achieved when fine needle is used for lumbar myelography. More adverse effects are reported by patients with normal myelograms.