MRI Cisternography (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) cisternography is a radiation test that creates images of the cerebrospinal fluid CSF. The CSF flows through the cavities of the brain and spinal cord. Hence, it is done to figure out problems with the flow of the CSF such as CSF leakage into nose or ear due to trauma or post brain surgery, CSF rhinorrhea (abnormal contact between nasal cavity and arachnoid space of sinus) and check the extent of brain damage caused due to traumatic brain injuries.

CSF leak can cause persistent headaches, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea etc. The leak can be treated with bed rest (2-3 days), hydration, as well as IV and saline infusions or surgery (to treat leak in the skull), in severe cases.