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Discography General Prep Instructions
I. General Information
Discography is generally performed as an outpatient procedure.
We require the patient have a driver with them for after the procedure.
It is most helpful for patients to stop taking their medication for back pain (if they are taking any) the day of the procedure, as it allows increased diagnostic accuracy.
We may or may not use intravenous sedation for these procedures.
The discogram procedure is performed with fluoroscopic (X-Ray) guidance, and is then followed by a CT scan.
II. Contraindications
Please tell the Radiologist if you have any of the following:
i. Abnormal bleeding time, or you are on blood thinners
ii. If you are pregnant
iii. If you have a skin infection over the site of the procedure
iv. Any medicine allergies
v. If you have had this procedure before
vi. Any muscular weakness
III. Potential Complications
Bleeding
Infection
Back pain or radiating pain following the procedure
Headache, possibly caused by spinal fluid leak
Allergic reaction to the medication
‘Vasovagal’ reactions (lightheadedness, nausea, becoming cold, clammy and sweaty, all during the procedure), which usually resolve immediately without treatment
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Radiology Medical Group, Inc. (619) 849-XRAY (9729)| © COPYRIGHT 2004 All rights reserved.
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