Learn about Cisternal Puncture Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cisternal Puncture and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cisternal Puncture

A cisternal puncture is a specialized diagnostic and therapeutic neurological procedure performed by a neurologist. It involves the careful insertion of a thin needle into the cisterna magna, a fluid-filled space at the base of the brain, to access cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This procedure is typically used when a standard lumbar puncture is not possible or fails to provide adequate fluid, or when direct sampling from the brain's base is required. It is crucial for diagnosing conditions like meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and certain cancers, as well as for administering medications directly into the CSF. Due to its proximity to critical brain structures, it is performed under strict sterile conditions, often with imaging guidance, and requires significant expertise.

Key Highlights

    Provides direct access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) near the brain when lumbar puncture is not feasible.Enables accurate diagnosis of central nervous system infections, bleeding, and malignancies.Allows for therapeutic administration of medications directly into the CSF space.Performed by a highly trained neurologist, often with imaging guidance for precision.Can be a definitive diagnostic step for complex neurological conditions.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Suspected meningitis or encephalitis when lumbar puncture is contraindicated or unsuccessful.
  • Evaluation of subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain).
  • Diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (cancer spread to the meninges).
  • Measurement of CSF pressure in cases of suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus.
  • Administration of intrathecal chemotherapy or antibiotics.
  • Investigation of inflammatory neurological diseases like neurosarcoidosis.

How to prepare

  • Detailed neurological examination and review of medical history and imaging (CT/MRI).
  • Discussion of procedure risks, benefits, and alternatives, followed by informed consent.
  • Fasting for several hours prior to the procedure as advised.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as per doctor's instructions.
  • An intravenous (IV) line may be started for sedation or emergency access.
  • The back of the neck (suboccipital area) will be shaved and cleaned.

Risks & possible complications

  • Headache (post-dural puncture headache), which can be severe.
  • Infection (meningitis) at the puncture site or in the CSF.
  • Bleeding (hematoma) in the cisterna magna or brainstem area.
  • Nerve injury, potentially affecting cranial nerves.
  • Brainstem herniation in patients with significantly increased intracranial pressure.
  • CSF leak from the puncture site.
  • Rare but serious complications like cardiorespiratory arrest.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate post-procedure monitoring in a recovery area for several hours to watch for complications.
  • Patient must lie flat for a prescribed period (often 4-6 hours) to reduce headache risk.
  • Vital signs and neurological status are closely monitored.
  • Pain medication may be provided for headache or neck discomfort.
  • Instructions to avoid straining, heavy lifting, and bending for a few days.
  • Follow-up with the neurologist to discuss CSF analysis results and next steps.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-7 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cisternal puncture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cisternal puncture compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 163 – USD 544 1-2 days ~ 3-7 days Know More
Turkey USD 1,208 – USD 4,026 1-2 days ~ 3-7 days Know More

Top hospitals for Cisternal Puncture in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cisternal puncture.

Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon60 Doctors

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon21 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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Neurologists for Cisternal Puncture

Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform cisternal puncture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nilotpal Dutta
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, English, Hindi, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Khushbu Goel
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mahesh Jadhav
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. S. Murali
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajesh B. Iyer
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shiva Kumar R
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amlan Tapan Mohapatra
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raghavendra S
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shankha Shubhra Chaudhuri
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Zk Misri
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Murali Chekuri
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srinivas  Raju
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Swati Sharma
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Anand
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kishore
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sampurna Chowdhury
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Radhika Manohar
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bhushan Joshi
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arpita Shivastava
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated