About Radionuclide Cisternography
Key Highlights
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Provides a dynamic, functional assessment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow that static imaging (like MRI) cannot.Highly effective in diagnosing the cause of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a potentially reversible cause of dementia.Critical for locating the site of difficult-to-detect CSF leaks, especially spinal leaks.Uses a very low dose of radiation, making it a safe diagnostic tool.Helps differentiate between various causes of CSF pathway obstruction or abnormal absorption.
Who is this surgery for?
- Suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) presenting with the classic triad of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, and dementia.
- Evaluation of suspected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, particularly after trauma, surgery, or spontaneously.
- Assessment of CSF flow dynamics before or after shunt placement for hydrocephalus.
- Investigation of unexplained headaches that may be related to low or high CSF pressure.
- Diagnosing CSF fistulas or loculations (pockets) within the CSF spaces.
How to prepare
- Disclosure of all medications, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants), which may need to be paused.
- Informing the doctor of any allergies, particularly to iodine or contrast agents.
- Fasting may be required for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home afterward, as rest is advised.
- A brief neurological examination may be performed to establish a baseline.
Risks & possible complications
- Headache (post-lumbar puncture headache) is the most common risk, occurring in a minority of patients.
- Risk of infection at the injection site or, very rarely, meningitis.
- Minor bleeding or bruising at the lumbar puncture site.
- Allergic reaction to the radionuclide tracer, though this is extremely rare.
- Minimal radiation exposure, comparable to other standard diagnostic imaging tests.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate rest is required, often lying flat for 1-2 hours after the lumbar puncture to reduce headache risk.
- Increased fluid intake for 24 hours is recommended to help replenish CSF.
- Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours.
- Monitoring for signs of severe headache, fever, or neck stiffness, which should be reported immediately.
- The radioactive tracer is eliminated from the body naturally within a few days.
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Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days) or 1 day for observation
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for full resumption of normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering radionuclide cisternography in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for radionuclide cisternography in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform radionuclide cisternography. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for radionuclide cisternography compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 40 Thousand | Usually outpatient (0 days) or 1 day for observation | ~ 1-2 days for full resumption of normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 140 Thousand | Usually outpatient (0 days) or 1 day for observation | ~ 1-2 days for full resumption of normal activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Radionuclide Cisternography in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing radionuclide cisternography.
Neha Smith, a 42-year-old high school...
Neha Smith, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had been struggling with debilitating positional headaches for six months. The headaches were so severe she could only find relief lying flat. She had to take a leave of absence from teaching and could no longer play with her children. After multiple normal CT and MRI scans, her neurologist suspected a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, possibly from a small tear in her spinal dura from a minor fall months prior. He recommended Radionuclide Cisternography to locate the precise source of the leak. Neha was anxious about the lumbar puncture and the radioactive tracer, but the team was gentle and explained every step. The scan, which involved lying still for several hours while images were taken, confirmed a slow leak in her lower spine. Emotionally, she felt validated after months of uncertainty. The clear diagnosis led to a targeted epidural blood patch. Within a week, her headaches subsided significantly. Neha felt a profound sense of relief and hope, finally able to envision returning to her classroom and her family's life.
Neurosurgeons for Radionuclide Cisternography
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform radionuclide cisternography and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada