Learn about Radionuclide Cisternography 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 Radionuclide Cisternography and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Radionuclide Cisternography

Radionuclide cisternography is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to evaluate the flow and dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain and spinal cord. Performed by a neurosurgeon or neuroradiologist, it involves injecting a small, safe amount of a radioactive tracer (radionuclide) into the spinal canal via a lumbar puncture. A series of scans are then taken over 24-48 hours to track the tracer's movement. This test is crucial for diagnosing conditions like normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), CSF leaks, and obstructions in CSF pathways. It provides a functional map of CSF circulation, helping guide treatment decisions for complex neurological disorders.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days) or 1 day for observation
  • checked 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.

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.

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Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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15+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
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43+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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121+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
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150+ Rating

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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15+ Rating

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
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20+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
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5740+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Paraneetharan M
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harisha P N
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anmol Nagaraj
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshman I Kongwad
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harish
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vybhav Raghu
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veeresha U Mathad
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Hegde
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek H R
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harsha Hegde
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bopanna KM
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sathwik R Shetty
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen Ganigi
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Bhandari
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jaskaran Singh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Maqsood Ahmed Abdul Rahman
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudheer Kumar Gundamaneni
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vuppu Ravi Kanth
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated