Sensorineural hearing changes after myelogram.

Dire consequences can occur after any medical or surgical procedure. Certain procedures may even cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Previous studies have demonstrated that certain surgical and medical procedures may result in hearing losses of varying degrees. Although hearing loss is a well-known phenomenon, little consistent information exists about hearing loss after medical or surgical procedures. This one-tailed, directional study compared the effect of myelogram procedures on hearing in selected outpatients. A pre/posttest design was used to measure audiograms in 27 myelogram subjects. Pre- and postprocedure hearing tests were measured by audiometry and compared for differences. Results did not support previous studies that low-frequency hearing loss can occur within 24 hours after myelogram procedure. Clinically relevant information was found in one subject 53 hours post myelogram.

Preparatory information for myelogram.

This study identified preparatory information appropriate for patients undergoing myelogram. Twenty-eight patients (16 lumbar and 12 cervical) described the sensations they experienced as they were having a myelogram. Sensations reported by 40% or more of the participants having both kinds of myelograms included hard, cold examining table; wet and cold cleansing of site; stick with injection of local anesthetic; sharp stick with spinal needle insertion; and burning (cervical) or sharp, tingling (lumbar) with contrast medium injection. These sensations, linked with the temporal elements of the procedure, yield a preparatory information intervention appropriate for those scheduled for myelogram. When preparatory information is used for the same myelogram procedure as described in this study, patients should experience reduced anxiety before and during the procedure.