Myelography

Myelography or myelogram is used to make a diagnosis of spinal canal and spinal cord disorders like nerve compression that in turn causes pain and weakness. A special dye is introduced into the spinal sac that in turn shows up in the x-ray to signify any deformities. The dye acts as an exclusive agent to outline the nerve roots and the spinal cord thus helping the doctor determine if there are any abnormal shapes in the spinal cord. Before CT scans and MRI scans were introduced, it was myelography that was used to study any abnormalities in the spinal cord. Current medical world uses myelography only for complicated revision spine surgeries and for patients who have metal plates or screws in their spine. Myelography is primarily used to identify slipped disk by exactly locating the disk or disks concerned. Spinal arthritis can develop bone spurs that may press against the nerves and cause pain, myelography can help identify if surgery is required and can also help spot if the spinal canal is narrowed. Tumors can be accurately located. A patient preparing for myelogram must stop a solid diet for a day and drink plenty of clear fluids.

MRI scan

During a MRI scan, pictures of almost all the tissue in the body are taken. The tissue that has the least hydrogen atoms, such as the bones turns out dark. The tissues that have many hydrogen atoms, such as fatty tissue looks much brighter. The timing of the radio wave pulses is constantly changed to gain information about the different types of tissues present. An MRI scan is normally used as an extremely accurate method of disease detection and structural abnormalities throughout the body.

Patient with any metallic materials within the body must notify their physician prior to the MRI scan. This is because, metallic chips, materials, metal implants, surgical clips or foreign materials (artificial joints, metallic bone plates or prosthetic devices, etc) can significantly distort the images obtained by an MRI scanner. Patients with pacemakers, metal chips or clips in and around the eyeballs cannot be scanned by an MRI because of the risk that the magnet may move the metal in these areas. Patients with artificial heart valves, metallic ear implants, bullet fragments and chemotherapy or insulin pumps should not undergo MRI scanning.

MRI scan can cause a small risk to the fetus in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore scans are not performed on pregnant women. The MRI machine produces loud thumping and humming noise when the procedure is performed. Therefore ear plugs are usually given to the patients to reduce the noise. MRI scans are a useful aid in the assessment of certain back conditions. MRI is an aid to detail studies of nerve root injuries like lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis. It is also extensively used in spinal disc and lumbar disc diseases and isthmic spondylolisthesis. It is also useful to rule out tumors and spinal infections.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's Disease is a condition caused by disorder of the inner ear. The patient suffers sudden and severe bouts of vertigo. Meniere's disease caused by changes in fluid pressure in the inner ear. Though it is not life-threatening, symptoms of Meniere's disease can be disturbing and unnerving. Though only one ear is affected in most patients, in rare cases both ears are involved. This medical condition is also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops.

Symptoms of Meniere's Disease are dizzines or vertigo and episodes of tinnitus. The patient may experience a pressurized feeling inside the ear. The vertigo might bring on nausea, vomiting and sweating spells. Ménière's disease symptoms come in sporadic attacks, often without warning. The unsteady feeling can linger for days. The person might occasionally experience headaches and abdominal pain. Ménière's disease often brings on progressive hearing loss, especially low-frequency hearing.

Hearing and balance tests and MRI scans aid in diagnosing Ménière's disease. Electrocochleography is helpful in recording the electrical activity of the inner ear. There is no cure for Ménière's disease but lifestyle changes and medications can alleviate some of the symptoms and reduce intnsity and occurence of attacks. Antiobiotic injections of gentamicin into the inner ear helps in restoring balance function. Anti-vertigo medications such as meclizine or diazepam may provide temporary relief during the attacks of vertigo. The patient must limit salt and MSG consumption and avoid triggers such as caffeine, chocolate, tobacco, aerated drinks and tea. Surgical procedures such as removal of nerves that trigger the condition are resorted to in acute cases of vertigo resulting from Ménière's disease.